Evaluation puts CAP on Summer Programme

The benefits to be derived from the Children Against Poverty/ Bridging Summer programme can only be effective in the long term if a system is applied to monitor students’ progression once they return to school. That is, according to Lionel Thomas, CAP/Bridging Programme Evaluator, as he gave remarks at an evaluation session on Friday, August 14.{{more}}

Thomas was one of a team of three evaluators who visited the 16 centres involved in the CAP/Bridging summer programme. He had responsibility for the Sandy Bay, Langley Park, Greiggs and Park Hill centres.

Eli Francis, Director of Social Development, explained that the session aimed to identify areas of weakness that could be rectified, and to highlight areas of strength so that other centres/facilitators could learn from them.

At the evaluation session, Thomas gave a brief outline of his role and his experience over the 3-week programme. He noted that he observed excellent teamwork amongst the facilitators, and that there was a high fun factor for students. Thomas pointed out that there was a good variety in teaching, which was reflected in students showing that learning was taking place. He also highlighted some areas in need of improvement, including more focus on mathematical language employed, wider variety of activities, and schools needing to promote the summer programme more to parents.

Overall, Thomas deemed the summer programme to be one of great importance, and insisted that evaluation sessions are important to ensure the programme’s longevity. “It helps to stimulate a learning environment… This programme must continue! In the long run, SVG will become a better place.”

In her remarks, Rosita Snagg, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Mobilisation, congratulated facilitators on successfully completing the summer programme, and urged them to make their participation an annual occurrence. Snagg related that she would like to see elements of the summer programme introduced into the classroom.

She divulged that the summer programme was financed by the Alba Caribe Fund, and that additional money will have to be sourced if they are to expand the behaviour modification element of the programme, as it is currently confined to Kingstown.

Snagg further admonished fathers for their marked absence at opening and closing ceremonies of the summer programme across the sixteen centres. “We can’t have children who only have mothers. Where are the fathers? Our children deserve better!”

Senior Education Officer with responsibility for Primary Schools Sylvia Sayers also gave remarks. Additionally, there were reports from centre coordinators, community development officers and Physical Education and Sports officers. (JSV)