Thomas Saunders gets equipment

The Thomas Saunders Secondary School, through its “Fathers Group”, on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, received a number of book cases, study benches and cricket bats from the SVG Parenting Partners, an organisation which was established in 1989 to meet the needs of parents, guardians through its various programmes in Parenting.{{more}}

The handing-over ceremony heard brief remarks from Counsellor and Fathers’ Group Coordinator of the School -Sharlene Morris, who stated that the Fathers’ Project was one which she had thought about for quite some time and was indeed grateful, for the support received from SVG Parenting Partners to bring it to this point.

Director of Vinsave and President of Parenting Partners, Janice Fraser, in her remarks gave a brief outline of the programme, noting that sessions were held with the Fathers over a three-month period, and the making of the furniture was the result of the “Each One Teach One Sessions” of the project. Two fathers, Kenneth Joseph and Gregory Harry were specially commended for their efforts in making the furniture for the school.

Elvis Dublin, one of the “Fathers”, shared some experiences of the programme, noting that it has been a learning experience for him, and encouraged SVG Parenting Partners to continue to offer such programmes.

Remarks also came from the Principal of the School Glasley Lewis, who commended Counsellor Morris for her initiative; the Fathers for participating and the SVG Parenting Partners for offering the programme to fathers.

A special item of music was done by student Ronique Forbes, a Vote of Thanks by Lakita Harry, daughter of one of the Fathers; and a prayer by Deputy Principal Dianne Williams.

Certificates of Participation were distributed by Principal Lewis, and she was assisted by Parenting Partners Jacqueline Massiah and Muriel Byam.

The project was funded by the Australian Embassy in the sum of $15,000.