A Day of Learning, Laughter, and Experience: 4-H Leaders on a Mission
When you talk about 4-H, you’re talking about more than just planting crops and raising animals. It’s about building real-life skills, growing as leaders, and understanding how to make a positive impact in Trinidad and Tobago. With this in mind, eight 4-H voluntary leaders from St. George East set out on a day of exploration, bonding, and hands-on learning at two inspiring locations: the Central Bank Museum in Port of Spain and MammaMia Pizzeria & Cucina Italiana in Grand Bazaar. More than just a day out, this experience was a crucial step in helping these leaders pass on knowledge to the next generation, showing them, how culinary arts and history shape the society we live in.
Exploring the Rich History at the Central Bank Museum
The day kicked off at the Central Bank Museum, where the team was greeted by the vibrant and knowledgeable historian, Mr. Al Alexander, and his team. Before even stepping inside, the art in the foyer captivated them—powerful tributes to the legendary women of calypso who paved the way for the culture we celebrate today. From Calypso Rose to Singing Sandra and Ella Andel, these women’s contributions to music and storytelling still inspire generations.
Once inside, the leaders had a front-row seat to the evolution of Trinidad and Tobago’s currency. They saw how money changed from cotton notes to the sleek polymer ones used today, learning about why the transition happened and what it meant for the economy. But the real fun began when they reached the mock supermarket. Like excited children, they grabbed items off the shelves, compared old prices to current ones, and got a real taste of how inflation has impacted purchasing power over time. It was a lively, eye-opening moment with everyone discussing financial literacy in a way that made sense and left a lasting impression.
Visit to the Museum is free! They are currently open from Tuesday to Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, however, bookings are encouraged for groups of 10 persons and over. Visit museum.centralbankarts.org.tt for booking details.
Stepping Into the Culinary World at Mamma Mia Pizzeria & Cucina Italiana
From history to the art of fine dining, the second half of the adventure took the team straight to MammaMia Pizzeria & Cucina Italiana. If first impressions set the tone, then Mirko and Sharon D’Alessio, the passionate owners, had the team feeling right at home from the moment they arrived. Warm smiles, welcoming words, and a restaurant filled with the aroma of fresh Italian cooking—it was a full sensory experience.
Mrs. Asha Lewis took charge, guiding the team through a crash course in Culinary Art, & Food and Beverage Service 101. She broke down table etiquette, from where to place the knife and fork to how to differentiate between red and white wine glasses. Although the team did not have the opportunity to step into the kitchen, Ms. Asha, being a trained chef herself, provided a vivid and engaging verbal tour of restaurant operations. She shared insights into the intricate workings behind the scenes—from the precision and timing required for meal preparation to the coordination between chefs and service staff to ensure a seamless dining experience. Her detailed explanation gave the team a newfound appreciation for the discipline and artistry that go into running a successful restaurant.
And of course, the meal was something special. It began with a rich and creamy pumpkin soup, followed by a choice of tender chicken or perfectly seared salmon, both served with a side of fresh vegetables and smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. To top it all off, the team indulged in their choice of strawberry, mocha, or Nutella gelato—a sweet ending to a delightful experience.
As a token of appreciation, Ms. Asha gifted the restaurant hosts with pepper seedlings, a small reminder that, just like food, knowledge is meant to be nurtured and shared.
Mission Accomplished – Learning, Growing, and Looking Ahead
The field trip was more than just a day out—it was a lesson in leadership, history, and the power of hands-on learning. The 4-H voluntary leaders left with a deeper appreciation for the culinary arts and its potential as a rewarding career. More importantly, they are left equipped with knowledge and experience to pass on to the next generation of 4-Hers, empowering them to see the value in hard work, creativity, and innovation.
One thing is certain: education through experience is not just effective, it is essential. And if this trip was any indication, the future of 4-H in Trinidad and Tobago is looking bright, bold, and full of possibilities.
To book your experience at MammaMia Pizzeria & Cucina, call 235-4646.
Reviews from 4-H Voluntary Leaders:
“It was an excellent and informative experience, especially learning how not to place your cutlery after eating.” Ms. Christal Webster – Clover Warriors – St. Barbara’s Spiritual Shouter Baptist Primary School
“It was a very educational experience, both on the history part and the culinary aspect. I look forward to passing the knowledge gained to my 4-Hers. Thank you to facilitators and organizers.” Ms. Justine Ngalamou – Pouces Verdes 4-H Club – Bishop Anstey High School East and Trinity College East – BATCE
“As a 4-H Voluntary Leader, this trip was an enriching and eye-opening experience, blending history, financial literacy and culinary arts in a way that deepened our knowledge and strengthened our ability to inspire the next generation. I do look forward to my 4-Hers visit soon.” Ms. Elizabeth Theodore – AGRCS 4-H Clover Buddies Club – Arima Girls R.C. Primary School
“The field trip was an educational experience. I can’t wait to share my new knowledge with my 4-Hers.” Mr. Christopher Dias – Arima West 4-H Clovers – Arima West Government Primary School
“The experience was very educational and fun at the same time. An excellent example of how learning can be made fun for students. Hands of learning at its best.” Ms. Adrianna Samaroo-Gosyne – 4-H Fanatics Club – Brazil R.C. Primary School
“I am embarrassed to reveal that it was my first time visiting the Central Bank Museum. No wonder my head was on overload. Now, I will take young and old people there not only once but many times. It seems that they change displays yearly with different themes. This year they highlighted women in calypso. The history of money blew my mind. There are so many fun activities available. The retraining on table manners was a humbling lesson for me. I had to study important uses of the use of cutlery. I did not know that the way I placed my knife and fork at the end of a meal had so many messages to the waiter and the restaurant as well.” Ms. Gladys Bharath – Talparo Titans 4-H Club – Talparo R.C. Primary School
“As County Coordinator, I am well pleased and proud of the leadership of the STGE 4-H County Council. Kudos to the organizers of such an open-minded field trip. 4-H isn’t just about gardening and hot sun… it is holistic as we develop the Voluntary Leaders and thereby the 4-Hers who are our future. God bless as we continue to make the best better.” Mrs. Ria Balgobin – County Coordinator – 4-H County St. George East