Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 05, 2020 (Ministry of Community Development, Gender Affairs and Social Services): The New Horizons Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre was abuzz with excitement in late September, after learning that its residents received a 100% pass rate during the 2020 CXC/CSEC Examination sitting.
The students, three males and three females between the ages of 14-17 years old sat a combination of four subjects – namely, English, Mathematics, Office Administration and Social Studies, and received passing grades, ranging from a Grade I (A ) to a Grade III (C) in the subjects.
“We were elated!” exclaimed New Horizons teacher Ms. Mary Clarke, noting that they expected some residents to do well, but were unsure that all residents would be able to pass the exams. ”When they all passed, everybody was excited. It was a pleasant surprise for everybody”, she said.
The Centre, which provides a structured residential programme for teens with behavioural issues, offers four subjects, namely, English, taught by Ms. Clarke, Maths and Social Studies, taught by Mr. Clyde Williams, and Office Administration, taught by Ms. G. Deslyn Richards. The academic classes supplement the counselling, skills and self-development programmes which the teens undergo during their time of residency.
In speaking of the 2019-2020 school year, Ms. Clarke indicated that it was going well until the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns forced teachers to suspend classes at the end of March, while residents remained at the Centre. “It was hard, because we were not there with them, to offer them the usual support”, she said. Although Ms. Clarke noted that teachers sent work for the students, she disclosed that some of the residents became anxious and de-motivated, and others were not disciplined in completing their assignments, “and so we had to find ways of encouraging them”, she said.
With the 2020 CXC examinations now over, many of the students are looking towards their future and the possibilities that lie ahead of them- a matter that is also discussed with their individual Probation Officers, before they are released from the Centre by the age of 18.
Ms. Clarke advised that past residents have gone on to further their education at institutions like the Advanced Vocational Educational Centre (AVEC) as well as the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), depending on their ability and academic achievement. She lauded the importance of the continued academic development provided for residents at the New Horizons Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre. “It is important; it helps to boost their confidence. In the past, they would have had issues with school for whatever reason, but when they reach here and realize ‘I can do this’, it helps them”, she explained.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 27, 2020 Minister of Education Hon. Jonel Powell said he is excited about the prospects and plans for Technical and Vocational Education in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
In a meeting with the TVET Secretariat last week, Minister Powell was introduced to staff at the unit which according to TVET Secretariat Director Dr. Kertney Thompson is set to increase the effectiveness and scope of the organization.
Dr. Thompson highlighted the secretariat’s ongoing programmes including civil works which will upgrade the technical and vocational education facilities at high schools and TVET establishments on both islands.
The Director also revealed specifically that contracts for Cayon and Sandy Point High TVET facilities were being finalized, final approval to start the bidding process at Verchilds High School was underway and the secretariat was also in the final stages of a report for the project which will take place at Saddlers Secondary.
A total of 3.3 million dollars of work is to be done at the secondary schools, while an approximated 4.5 million in construction work is expected at the Advanced Vocational Educational Centre (AVEC).
Minister of Education Hon. Jonel Powell said it was heartening to see this kind of progress being made as far as state of the art TVET facilities as well as the full complement of staff at the TVET Secretariat.
He commented that he had had to insist that he be allowed to study welding while in school. According to the minister, he was not considered a technically inclined student, but more academically focused.
The role of the TVET Secretariat includes accrediting TVET institutions, driving curriculums for TVET, approving TVET centres as well as training assessors and verifiers.
According to Dr. Thompson is the overall objective of TVET Enhancement to transform the economy from the traditional academic focus to a career development system regardless of the field of endeavour.
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