Browne’s a KIND student

Christopher Browne best displayed the qualities of a KIND student and as such, the young man was named the most outstanding student in this year’s Kids In Need of Development (KIND) programme.{{more}}

Browne received his award at the joint closing ceremony of the KIND programme and Pan Against Crime Intermediate High School and CW Prescod programmes. The programmes came to an end last Friday, August 14, 2009 at the Intermediate High School.

A group of over forty children together closed the three week summer programmes with a concert. Parents, fellow participants and invited guests were entertained by the KIND programme participants who performed dances, songs and karate routines and the Pan against Crime participants who played steel pan music for those gathered.

The children went all out to display their many talents to the appreciative audience. The crowd’s favorites were the KIND children’s rendition of Michael Jackson’s hit “Heal the World” and the creative dances performed by the KIND dancers. The CW Prescod and Intermediate Pan teams were also applauded when they performed a medley of popular church hymns.

Giving brief remarks at the closing ceremony, Jasmine Francois Creese, Coordinator of the KIND programme said that the programme is focused on helping young children who are experiencing behavioral problems and are open to many risks, including the risk of being sexually exploited. The programme also assists children in developing their full potential through teaching them essential moral values such as helpfulness, politeness, kindness and discipline. The programme, which operates on a three-year cycle is funded by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Socialization and the National Aids Secretariat.

Ken Isles of the Pan Against Crime programme also gave brief remarks at the ceremony. Isles stated that the programme has attracted many youths across the island and it helps in getting youths off the destructive paths which they have been on. The Pan against Crime programme operates in various communities and seeks to eliminate instances of crime and violence by getting children involved in playing pan.

Participants from both KIND and Pan Against Crime programmes received certificates of participation while several KIND participants received certificates of excellence for portraying helpfulness, politeness, kindness and discipline. The Pan Against Crime programmes also closed in Georgetown on Friday and in Sion Hill on Saturday.(OS)