Ministry launches app to register infants

■ Michelle Loubon

michelle.loubon@trinidadexpress.com

EDUCATION Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly says the ministry's maiden First-Year Infant Registration System of T&T (FIRSTT) application will provide online registration for First Year primary school students, which began yesterday and ends on March 28.

She made the disclosure while delivering the feature address yesterday at the launch of the app at the ministry's headquarters, St Vincent Street, Port of Spain.

The FIRSTT app is also expected to further improve service delivery for about 200,000 students, and let principals access the ministry's suite of services.

Among those present were chief education officer Dr Peter Smith, National Parent Teachers' Association (NPTA) president Walter Stewart, and several principals and school supervisors from various denominations.

Gadsby-Dolly also said the FIRSTT app would aid record-keeping, give responses to frequently asked questions, and provide feedback on the distribution of laptops and book grants. The FIRSTT app coincides with the thrust towards digital transformation and was designed to enhance the registration experience for all 452 government and government-assisted primary schools, to help 'ensure that no child is left behind.' Among the core stakeholders include parents, guardians and school administrators who will use the system to manage and process applications. 'Since 2022, we have been developing online registration for ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education). We have online SEA (Secondary Entrance Assessment) results. We invested in our young people with the book grants and the laptops....Job letters and leave for teachers. This FIRSTT app fits into a suite of digital services. It's a project that can benefit about 200,000 students. Based on the means test, more than 30,000 applications have come in for book grants,' said Gadsby-Dolly.

She added: 'When it comes to school and teacher records, we know it can get lost. There's a propensity to lose them. We know the value it would have for the MoE (Ministry of Education). We can download the short courses. Those key records move along with the students. Devices are just the 'drop in the bucket.' Much more is required. It would provide facility.'

She also said data would guide planning and development at the MoE.

She said: 'Such access to info would help identify patterns and trends. We would look at the types of data. All of the policies would benefit stakeholders.'

Describing the merits of the app, a release from the MoE said: 'This online system will allow real-time status tracking, automated notifications, and a centralised database for analytics and reporting. It significantly reduces paper-based processes, enhances accessibility, and improves processing efficiency for schools. With these digital tools at their disposal, school administrators will be able to review, validate, and admit applicants more effectively. It will also improve transparency and fairness in the registration process, ensuring applications are handled equitably.'

NEW APP: Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly