Gonzales homework centre set to reopen

Father Matthew D’Hereaux, Roman Catholic priest in the Gonzales community, will move to reopen the homework centre as he battles against the criminality that has plagued east Port-of-Spain and the negative stereotype attached to the area.

Gonzales is a high-risk community in East Port of Spain, which has garnered the reputation as a hot spot for gun-related violence.

The homework centre, which is part of Community Intervention for Transformation and Empowerment (CIT+E), a pastoral response of the Roman Catholic Church. When the homework centre was opened in 2019, CIT+E worked towards the transformation of the young people in the Gonzales community.

COVID-19 put activities on hold, but the residents are again calling for that safe space.

“Last month I walked through the community and asked if they would contribute to its revamping, and it was a general consensus. Also in the data collection, they asked what assurance would be given to security, proper supervision, and tutors with experience to help with homework,” Fr D’Hereaux related.

“So, we are also getting support from ALTA (Adult Literacy Tutors Association), the Ministry of Youth Development as well as the East Port of Spain Development.”

The ComTrust Foundation of CIBC Caribbean has contributed to its refurbishment. At a recent cheque handover, which was presented by Anthony Seeraj, managing director of CIBC Caribbean’s Trinidad Operating Company, Fr D’Hereaux said proceeds would assist with the revamping of the homework centre for the young people in the area.

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