Emancipation to Republic Youth Rally

Children of the Nation: Emancipation to Republic

This year the National Youth Action Committee (NYAC) will be hosting our tenth annual "CHILDREN OF THE NATION – FROM EMANCIPATION TO REPUBLIC YOUTH RALLY" in the form of a theatre production. This production will be held at Queen's Hall, 1 – 3 St. Ann's Road, St. Ann's on Tuesday, October 7^th 2014 from 10 am to 12:15 pm. 

This cultural programme will be held in observance of the country's thirty-eight (38^th) anniversary as a Republic. The programme will be dramatically depicted by leading young artistes in dance, music and drama, as well as informed persons on the entire process of national development and students of secondary schools nationally.    

Our committee is of the view that the principles of Republicanism were founded in the struggle and achievement of Emancipation. Our nation's journey from the period of Emancipation through Independence and unto Republicanism has been a process of growth and self-discovery. It is a similar process which is undergone by individuals through the stages of childhood, adolescence and adulthood. As such, we believe that the youth of our society must be allowed to focus on this important aspect of national development. We believe that such an experience can serve to instil within our youth a greater sense of national pride and thus a greater sense of responsibility for their future. 

PROGRAMME

NYAC have invited secondary school students throughout Trinidad and Tobago to our Emancipation to Republic Youth Rally. Some of the major historical periods that will be highlighted include:

• Slavery & Emancipation
• East Indian Indentureship
• The Canboulay Riots
• The Jahajee Massacre/ Hosein Riots
• The Water Riots
• The Development of Trade Unions
• The Butler Era
• Federation
• Independence
• Trinidad and Tobago 1970 Revolution
• Republicanism 

This project seeks to provide the necessary motivation and opportunity for these youths to appreciate, at depth, major historical events through its enactment by the cast of the production.  It is also meant to assist in the building of greater respect for our local art forms its cultural and historical backgrounds, while helping our youth to recognise his/her responsibility to the society's growth and development. We perceive this program as being an important component in the general quest to realise a brighter future for our country. NYAC is of the view that this experience can serve to instil within our youth a greater sense of national pride, identity and thus a greater sense of responsibility.