(PRESS RELEASE) — As part of the closing celebratory event of the Monchy Community After School Programme, the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment hosted an awards ceremony to honor students, parents and facilitators who helped make the programme a success.
The Monchy Programme was implemented in 2010 and runs from September to March.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment, Mrs. Velda Joseph, expressed gratitude to the facilitators and parents who came forward to complement government’s efforts in that regard: “I want to thank all the facilitators who were there before and those who are still involved in the programme. I know that this job is not a high-paying one and so I would like to thank you for your contribution which has impacted the lives of vulnerable people in the community.”
The permanent secretary further emphasized the need for the parents of enrolled students to become actively involved in the Community After School Programme: “To the parents, I want to tell you that you should get involved and continue to support the programme in whatever way you can.”
Deputy Director in the Social Transformation Unit, Mr. Jim Xavier, echoed similar sentiments.
According to Mr. Xavier, the successful programmes are the ones in which the parents become involved. He encouraged all parents to be more involved in what is happening at the centre, and to support their children in the programme.
Mr. Xavier also complemented the dedicated facilitators of the Monchy Community After School Programme who go above and beyond to make the programme interesting and unique.
Studies consistently show that students who participate in a service-learning program have improved academic performance and develop positive behaviors in school.
One participant testified that: “If it wasn’t for the programme I would be another lost child in the ghetto. I had already began doing bad things until I joined the Monchy Community After School Programme (CASP).”
The Community After School Programme was implemented in 2009 in the communities of La Maze, Faux-A-Chaux and Mon Repos.
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