The College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) continued its commitment to education as a pathway to rehabilitation and social transformation through its participation in the Regional Prison Training Series (Trinidad and Tobago): Strengthening Custodial Management, Youth Rehabilitation and Reintegration.
The initiative, held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the Hilton Trinidad and organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service, formed part of the Building Sustainable Pathways to Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programme.
A multidisciplinary team from COSTAATT, led by the Department of Criminal Justice, Human Security and Legal Studies, was invited to contribute to the facilitation of discussions on the critical role of education, skills development and lifelong learning in reducing recidivism and supporting successful reintegration into society.
Education as a Pathway to Reintegration
The COSTAATT team explored how educational and vocational opportunities within correctional settings can help individuals develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to successfully transition from incarceration to productive participation in society.
Discussions focused on creating pathways to further education, technical and vocational training, entrepreneurship and employment, while ensuring that rehabilitation programmes respond to labour market demands and workforce development needs.
The team also addressed the importance of integrating education and rehabilitation into individual assessment outcomes, sentence planning and case management processes, supporting a more coordinated and person-centred approach to rehabilitation.
Sharing Lessons from COSTAATT’s Link-UP Programme
A key contribution was the sharing of experiences and lessons learned through COSTAATT’s Link-UP Programme, highlighting the role of education, mentorship and continued support in creating opportunities for personal development and successful reintegration.
The discussions benefited from the participation of a Link-UP graduate who is now involved in the programme’s mentorship activities, bringing valuable lived experience and perspectives on the importance of sustained support beyond the classroom.
COSTAATT’s Facilitation Team
The College was represented by:
Mr Kirwin Pyle-Williams – Chair, Department of Criminal Justice, Human Security and Legal Studies, and Chair, Link-UP Steering Committee.
Dr Kevin Peters – Senior Lecturer, Department of Criminal Justice, Human Security and Legal Studies, and Member, Link-UP Steering Committee.
Ms Tricia McIntosh – Senior Lecturer, Department of Social and Behavioural Science, and Course Facilitator.
Mr Joshua Woods – Link-UP Graduate and current participant in the Link-UP Mentorship Programme.
Mr Nicholas Khan – Member, Link-UP Steering Committee.
Advancing Social Transformation Through Education
COSTAATT’s participation in this regional initiative reinforces the College’s commitment to expanding access to education, supporting rehabilitation and strengthening partnerships that address pressing social challenges.
By connecting academic expertise, practical experience and community engagement, the College continues to demonstrate how education can contribute to reducing recidivism, improving employment prospects and building more inclusive and resilient communities.
Through initiatives such as Link-UP, COSTAATT remains committed to creating opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives, realise their potential and make meaningful contributions to society.
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