CAP programme launched for at risk kids

The Ministry of National Mobilisation, in conjunction with the Ministries of Finance and Education, launched its yearly Children Against Poverty (CAP) bridging programme on Wednesday, July 8 at the Thomas Saunders Secondary School.{{more}}

The programme, which will run from July 13 – 31, is aimed at children who are low achievers, come from an economically disadvantaged household, have behavioural problems and display low self-esteem. It is expected to cater for approximately 1,273 primary school children from 6 – 12 years old; and will take place in 16 centres throughout the state.

The programme is designed to boost children’s educational grasp and get them up to speed with their peers in time for the new school term. Eli Francis, Director of Social Development, explained: “CAP is all about learning in a fun way. We’ve moved away from the rigid classroom setting…”

In his address, Minister of National Mobilisation Mike Browne shared that the programme is just one of 150 implemented to build up weaker students. “CAP is an affirmative programme!”

Browne further highlighted the necessity of a sound education in eliminating poverty, which is one of his administration’s main objectives. He pointed out that according to independent surveys, the poverty level has decreased from 37.5 per cent in 1994 to 30.2 percent in 2007/8. However, he emphasized a need for more to be done in a shorter frame of time. “While the downward trend is heartwarming… it’s a little too slow for my liking… We have a lot of work to do there!”

Browne also pointed out that there are measures that can be taken on the community and individual levels that collectively will aid poverty alleviation. “We all have to do more… in dealing with poverty.”

Permanent Secretary Rosita Snagg extolled the benefits of the CAP summer programme and boasted that other governments within the region have expressed interest in adopting it within their educational systems. “It’s one of the better programmes that we have ever conceived in SVG!”

Snagg remarked CAP began is 2002 following the completion of an interim programme formulated to address breaking the cycle of children in poverty. Initially, there were 6 primary schools involved, and currently that number has multiplied to 47.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Laura Browne also gave brief remarks.

Facilitators will work with the students at various centres, dividing them into smaller groups of no more than 12 so that they can receive individual attention. The centres include Barrouallie Anglican, Bequia Anglican, Buccament Government, C.W Prescod Primary, Calliaqua Anglican, Chateaubelair Methodist, Fancy Government, Greggs Primary, Intermediate High School, Kingstown Anglican, Langley Park Government, Marriaqua Government, Park Hill Government, Sandy Bay Government, Sion Hill Government and Stubbs Government.

There will also be a Behaviour Modification programme running from July 24 until August 14; and once the school term re-opens, there will be an after support programme for students and parents, as well as a parenting programme.(JSV)