Some of the students who participated in the programme
The U.S-based Linden Fund said it will continue to improve the lives of children in the mining town through a wide range of educational programmes that will aid in their development. This announcement was made by Linden Fund USA Secretary Linda Felix-Johnson during the entity’s closing ceremony for its 7th Annual Summer Tutoring Programme, on the afternoon of Thursday, August 4. Fifty-four students from various primary schools in Linden – mainly Christianburg Primary, One Mile Primary, Wismar Hill Primary, and Mackenzie Primary – were awarded with certificates for participating in the programme, and for being punctual, cooperative, perfect in attendance, and showing most improvement in English language and mathematics.
Sherry-Ann Sukul, who successfully completed the three-week educational programme, received the most certificates of recognition.
She was presented with certificates for participation, perfect attendance, being the most improved student, and for being the most punctual student.
Camille Cummings, Joan Rigby, Wanda Richmond, Cheryl Wills, Verrione Emanuel and Janeth Campbell – teachers from the Linden community who volunteered their services – were also recipients of certificates of appreciation. The 54 pupils were divided into three batches based on their locations. Classes were held at the Harmony Secondary School, Christianburg Primary School and Mackenzie Primary School for the three-week period.
During the classes the volunteer teachers were supported by community representatives who acted in the capacity of assistant teachers.
Felix- Johnson, in her remarks, disclosed that the 2011 Summer Tutoring Programme was the most successful since the initiative was implemented some seven years ago. She explained that, in the past, one teacher was paid to teach the students, and this was never the intention of that non-governmental organisation, but rather to have sufficient teachers so that children can get special attention when dealing with the four core subjects: English, mathematics, science and social studies.
However, this year the programme took a brilliant turn.
“I am happy to say that when we had our Women’s Empowerment Forum and when I asked for volunteers, all these teachers just came on board; and that’s one thing I am thankful for, because if we didn’t have the volunteers the programme would not have been a success,” Felix-Johnson declared.
With the overwhelming support it had received, the organisation is now encouraged to launch several other educational programmes.
Already, the Linden Fund USA has acquired the assistance of an education specialist to evaluate the performances of each of the 54 participants with the aim of identifying their strengths and weaknesses.
“For the first time, we were able, through Janeth Campbell and Deon Anderson, to get that done; so we will be getting back to parents or guardians on the things your child needs to work on, and how we are going to help you,” the secretary noted.
The organisation has pledged to monitor and assist the participants until they write the National Grade Six Assessment Examinations. In addition, pupils who are in need of remedial classes prior to the examinations will be taught by Campbell at the Linden Fund USA’s office in Region 10 Business Centre (LEAP) to afford each child a success story. “We have already purchased a set of educational tools, and I will be sending some as well to help these students, because to educate the community is to make Linden,” noted Felix-Johnson. The Linden Fund USA plan was well received by the audience, who applauded the secretary continuously. The commencement of the 2011/2012 academic year will also see the launching of an educational programme for parents, which will equip them with the requisite skills and knowledge to support students in the education arena.
These initiatives are of great importance, said Felix-Johnson, since children are the future leaders, and if edified can operate in any capacity.
She also emphasised the importance of parent/teacher collaboration, noting that no one can do it alone.
“We are imploring (you) to take an active role in what we are trying to do to develop the community.” In her closing remarks, the Linden Fund USA secretary advocated for more teachers to volunteer their services as the organisation strives to move the town forward.
