About Us
Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) is a UNICEF supported program in collaboration with the Archdiocese’s Ministry for Migrants and Refugees (AMMR) situated under the Catholic Commission for Social Justice.
Who are we?
Child-Friendly Spaces began in 2018 with 5 established physical spaces that assisted with the various needs of over 415 migrant and refugee children. However, these spaces were forced to close in 2020 because of government restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Welcoming the
Virtual CFS Spaces
A virtual Child-Friendly Spaces program was then established in January 2021. Although the virtual space has been successful, hundreds of migrant and refugee children were unable to access this opportunity due to limited access to devices and internet connectivity.
Evolving into
Roving Spaces
The Roving Child-Friendly Spaces were established in 2022. They provided communities around Trinidad and Tobago with access to learning and psychosocial aid. This included a July Fun Camp for local and migrant children. Roving Spaces aim to leave children and parents equipped with tools to continue education in the absence of a Physical Space.
Over 1200 children were reached by AMMR’s Roving Spaces from March to December of 2022!
We're here
to support!
Access to education and psychosocial support for migrant children and refugees are essential in helping to rebuild their lives. By supplying them with the knowledge and skills to live fulfilling and independent lives, we are equipping them with the capabilities to improve the standard of living for their future selves, families and communities.
A Stable Environment
These spaces help give children a sense of stability and routine by providing informal education through online games and activities. Children are divided into groups according to their age. There are currently six (6) groups within the Child Friendly Spaces and all sessions are run by our caring and experienced facilitators.
The age groups we serve
Junior: 5 – 8 Years Old
Middle: 9 – 12 Years Old
Senior: 13 – 17 Years Old.
We use a blended model in our spaces, so activities are a combination of:
Live sessions
Recorded Sessions
Group, Club & Take-home activities
Our
activities
Sign up now!
Take a look at this instructional video on how you can get your child enrolled in a Child-Friendly Spaces program near you. If you have any further questions on how to sign up, please get in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Child Friendly Space?
Child-Friendly Spaces is a collaboration between the AMMR and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that offers psychosocial support and continued learning for all children. It is not a school but a safe space for all children to develop and reach their full potential.
Where is the Child-Friendly Space?
Our Child-Friendly Spaces operate both virtually and in person. To register for the virtual CFS space, click here. For our in-person option, stay tuned to our Instagram and Facebook pages for our upcoming Roving CFS in your community. Please see a list below of the communities we have already visited. If you’re interested in having us host a Roving Space in your parish community, send us an email.
Our Roving CFS Community Outreach
St. Augustine
New Grant
Siparia
ArimaMoruga
Diego Martin
Curepe
Where can my child begin sessions with the CFS?
After registering, you will receive an email within 3-5 working days with the links to online sessions via Google Meet and a WhatsApp link to join a group chat. You can join the next available session as soon as you have received the link.
Will my child be given school materials to use?
On occasion, we do deliver stationery for those who need it. Once your child attends sessions regularly, you will be made aware when the next cycle of materials will be shared.
Where can I enroll my child in CFS?
You can enroll your child via our online registration link. Click here to register.
My child has a disability. Will this be accommodated for?
Yes! When registering, give details on the nature of your child’s disability so we can determine how best to help.
Contact us
For more information on unaccompanied and separated children (UASC): cmo.ammr@catholictt.org
For more information or interest in opening/hosting a CFS Space: cfs.ammr@catholictt.org
For more information on PMMRs or how to make your parish a PMMR – close.ammr@catholctt.org
For donations and partnerships with AMMR: ammr@catholictt.org