# data[].attributes.body
This portfolio reflects my opinion of social issues and my personal views on them. Studying Caribbean Civilization, I have developed an appreciation for my society and the region at large. Each reflection represent an objective, therefore it will be structured accordingly. Firstly, a problem of importance as reflected in the news, the followed by the evaluation of the course over the semester. Thirdly, the understanding of the social environment in relations to the applications of the course, then the critical thinking on issues.

# data[].attributes.body
Religion, education, and Caribbean family life are important aspect in the development of a Caribbean individual. This unit was edifying, as it has broadened how I perceived the cultures and tradition in this multicultural country. Child marriage has recently been the subject of heated debate in Trinidad and Tobago. In Trinidad and Tobago, there are four marriage acts that has the consent for children to be married at the age of 12 -16 years old.1 Per UNICEF, 8% of girls in Trinidad and Tobago are married before the age of 18.2

The material covered in this course has allowed me to critically analyse the culture and religion of those who believes in child marriage. I understand that such practice is rooted in the beliefs of the Hindu, Muslim and Orisha. However, it is my belief that a child should not be forced into a marriage. Additionally, a child at the tender age of 12 is not psychological, socially, and physically ready to consent to any form of marriage. Considering this topic, the marriage laws should be change from 12 to 18 years old for the consenting appropriate marrying age.

However, the Hindu religious boards advocate see the need for the law for many reasons (refer to video).

# data[].attributes.headline
Self-Evaluation of Learning for the Semester 

# data[].attributes.subject
Self-Evaluation of Learning for the Semester 

# data[].attributes.body
Initially, the course FOUN 1001, appeared to be grounded in the ancient chronicles of events. However, as the semester proceeded with time, my appreciation for the past and the enjoyment of being enlightened grew onto me. During the semester, various lecturers introduced some riveting topics such as: religion, sport, and demography.  An additional benefit was the availability of tutorials. The tutorials brought out different ideas and perspectives though discussion and unified the topics that were presented in the lectures. At the end of this course, I am able appreciate the many aspects of the Caribbean and its people, who are quite similar than I had once believed.

My experiences at the tutorials were both enjoyable and informative. However, the use of the “blackboard collaborate”, though known to be extremely beneficial, was frustrating. This frustration was developed based on many reasons. At the beginning of this implementation, there were several technological issues which lead to rise of annoyance among students. Additionally, the podcast used an exasperating musical sound at the introduction, which was merely impossible to skip that section. Personally, the course should have been traditional ‘sit-in’ lectures, where written notes and diagrams were necessary, along with the ‘good old fashion’ FAQs and examples.

Nonetheless, the push for this courses exposure to most students on campus is applaudable. This effort allows the students, especially science focused, to understand the roots we are developed on and we can have high appreciation for the past. fa)��l��m

# data[].attributes.body
This course explains in some depth the Caribbean past and how it has shaped the Caribbean as it is today. Caribbean cultural expression unit allowed me to visualize how people came together and how Trinidad has developed as a nation. An example of this integration can be seen throughout the year within the various religious holidays. All races and ethnicity in Trinidad celebrate the Christian related holiday Christmas. Hindus and Muslims do not condemn it as something alien but have embraced it. Additionally, both Diwali and Eid-ul-Fitr have been accepted as National holidays. Likewise, may people visit family and friends who believes are with these religions.
In Trinidad and Tobago, segregation does not exist, since the people live as one huge family without the need for religion and ethnicity to declare who they associate themselves among.
Carnival is known to be developed by emancipated enslaved people, in Trinidad.3 However, this never stopped other races to part take in this event every year. Nonetheless, this event touches another part of Caribbean cultural expression: music and cultural identity. Soca, Jamaican dance-hall, Chutney, and the sweet music from the Steel pan all can be heard during the season. These music gives not only Trinidad an identity but the all the CARICOM members.
Personally, I feel a sense of unity to others in my country due to this. It helps me connect to them. It has artist that have been creating music with artist outside the Caribbean region, which has helped for it

# data[].attributes.body
Education

The Caribbean has regionally integrated its educational scheme. CXC is one example of regional integration. One body governs these exams and the marking is standard throughout the Caribbean. The same for CAPE. This allows education to have some local and regional elements, such as Caribbean history. This also symbolizes a break with the colonial entity regarding education, as cxc has replaced GCSC and other English exams.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) is another example of regional integration. There are three campuses in the Caribbean. Students from different countries attend them and this facilitates cultural and regional diversity. Also, if one course if not offered in one campus it is most likely offered in another.  This ensures that students do not have to leave the Caribbean to get a comprehensive education. Spanish courses becoming mandatory is an example of the university acknowledging the society in which we live and trying to broaden students’ mind.

The law schools. The council of legal education is regional and there are there law schools in the Caribbean. This has ensured that students do not have to go to England to qualify as attorneys. Local/regional education facilitates local pride and local jurisprudence. The Legal Education Certificate (LEC) gained from these institutions also allows the graduates to practice in many Caribbean countries. This fosters Caribbean growth and integration.

# data[].attributes.body
1. "Maha Sabha: No Need to Amend Hindu Marriage Act." CNC3. N.p., 16 Aug. 2016. Web. 26 Nov. 2016.

2. Roddock, Rhoda, Professor, and Sandra Reid, Dr. Breaking the Silence : A Multi-Sector Approach to Preventing and Addressing Child Sexual Abuse in Trinidad and Tobago. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

3. "History of Carnival and Its Elements." National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2016.

"Maha Sabha: No Need to Amend Hindu Marriage Act." CNC3. N.p., 16 Aug. 2016. Web. 26 Nov. 2016.

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,228599.html 548 Child Marriages over Last 10 Years." Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. N.p., 2 June 2016. Web. 26 Nov. 2016.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160520/news/hindu-women-revise-all-marriage-act Wayow, Sue-Ann. "Hindu Women: Revise All Marriage Acts." Trinidad Express Newspapers. N.p., 20 May 2016. Web. 26 Nov. 2016

https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2016-06-03/no-more-hindu-child-marriages Sookraj, Radhica. "No More Hindu Child Marriages." Trinidad & Tobago Guardian. N.p., 3 June 2016. Web. 26 Nov. 2016.

http://www.cxc.org

http://sta.uwi.edu/

http://www.caribbeancourtofjustice.org/