374 students to graduate from M.A.G.I.C. next week

Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS):  Three hundred and seventy four students from 15 primary schools in St. Kitts are better prepared to make the transition to high school and positively impact their peers after completing the Mentoring Advising Guiding and Instructing Children (M.A.G.I.C.) programme.

The programme is implemented by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) to address common issues facing young people including bullying, peer pressure, cyber interference, drug abuse and resistance. Modeled after a programme created by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) in Orlando, Florida, M.A.G.I.C. promotes learning in a fun-filled environment.

Police Detective Lyndita Powell of the Special Victims Unit coordinates the local intervention programme. She indicated that the sixth grade students responded well to the life skills training conducted during the 10-week course. Each participant was tested and the successful students will receive certificates at a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, April 23.

“We are so excited to host this ceremony,” Powell stated. It takes place at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium and is expected to be attended by faculty from the various schools, proud parents and officials from the police. Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas will also attend in his capacity as head of the Anti Crime Unit. OCSO’s Deputy Sheriff Sean McCormack, who trained the first M.A.G.I.C. instructors in St. Kitts, will represent his agency at the graduation.

Detective Powell thanked the Ministry of Education and the various schools for accepting the programme and providing the necessary support to ensure its success.