AAA programme lighting the way for youths

The Division of Adult and Continuing Education in the Ministry of Education has forged a partnership with the Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLP). The union has thus far given birth to the Adonal All Star Achievers (AAA) Programme.{{more}}

The AAA was launched last week Friday afternoon at the New Montrose Basketball facility.

The initiative is part of KLF, the brainchild of Adonal Foyle, this country’s first and lone NBA basketballer. The AAA is an enrichment programme that caters for young individuals outside the formal educational system.

The programme is envisaged to scaffold persons at the functional literacy and pre-CXC level, inclusive of skills and academic orientation.

But, Acting Director of the Adult and Continuing Education Frances Clarke-Palmer told SEARCHLIGHT that the thrust is primarily geared at enrolling males in the programme.

She said that while persons are enrolling in the programme, the females far outstrip the males.

“I have seen males come to drop females to the programme and they not attending,” stated Clarke-Palmer, who has been with the Division since 1994.

Looking forward with much optimism, Clarke-Palmer said: “I am very positive. I am bubbling.”

She said that it is hopeful that the collaboration with the KLF will net more of their target group.

Clarke-Palmer added that a top prize is in store for the zone which enrolls the most participants in the campaign.

Part of the requirements states that all participants in the programme will have to attend a minimum of 80 per cent of the classes in which he/she is enrolled.

The KLF will provide awards and prizes to participants who complete the programme.

Foyle told those present that he “flunked” the Common Entrance Exams, but was determined to make good of his second chance, the then School Leaving Examination.

He spoke of the struggles he had with his grandmother on his native Canouan, over the use of her kerosene lamp in the preparations for the exams, as she was more concerned with the conservation of the fuel.

The NBA player of 12 years admitted that it was through commitment and dedication that today he has been able to use his basketball talent to assist others in his family and at the same time earn a tertiary education.

Foyle, who is currently writing his thesis for his Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology, encouraged the gathering that “you are never too old to learn”.

He recalled his college years in the USA, when he attended classes with persons 70 and 80 years old.

Also speaking at the launch was Carlton Hall, Senior Education Officer, who spoke of the need “to stay in school” and the virtues of achieving levels of competencies.

Executive Director of KLF, Shiyana Valentine, too, gave brief remarks.

Foyle used the occasion of the launch to pass on Basketball tips to the male participants, many of whom won trinkets compliments the KLF.(RT)