‘HAVING THE COUNTRY BECOME BETTER’ – VALUES-BASED EDUCATION

Blog

Tonia Gooding and Father Mark Georges show that teaching values and virtue can have a huge impact on children from deprived backgrounds in Trinidad and Tobago. They spoke to me about their work promoting values-based education across schools in the Caribbean. Their organisation, ‘Communities Alive’, is implemented in over 100 schools, fostering character, virtues, and a healthy attitude towards marriage and family as building blocks of a thriving society. Watch the full interview online.

Tonia, president of ‘Communities Alive’, explains how virtues are “caught, not taught”. Using stories and personal reflection, young people develop a moral framework that forms the foundation for healthy relationships and a strong marriage. Father Mark adds that the programme nurtures character at a deeper spiritual level, aiming for fulfilled lives.

Their experience shows that teaching values and character can transform lives, even for children from unstable backgrounds. ‘Communities Alive’ breaks the cycle of deprivation through values-based education embraced by all religions. It focuses on chastity, responsibility, family, and social life—qualities that are increasingly missing in UK education today, but are essential for a strong society.

Both speakers stress the societal benefits of stable marriages and family structures, such as reduced crime and improved well-being. They believe that promoting marriage and family life is the best way to build a healthy culture. Children thrive when raised by their biological parents in a committed married relationship. Their work in Trinidad and Tobago shows that even amidst changing values, traditional marriage remains a powerful force for good.

At C4M, we believe that real marriage and strong families are vital for a healthy culture. Bringing values-based education to the UK can help build resilient families and strong marriages, creating an environment where children can truly thrive.