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SATURDAY mornings in Duhaney Park, St Andrew, are now marked by free English and mathematics classes for students who, since the novel coronavirus pandemic, have been facing a learning loss due to the disparities in the education system.
The programme, 'Duhaney Park Academic Tutoring', conceptualised by attorney-at-law and People's National Party (PNP) councillor candidate for the Duhaney Park Division, Michelle Thomas, was initially designed as an 18 week remedial level programme for maths and English, but as a result of the demand and response by community members it has been extended for an undetermined length of time.
The programme, which began on February 6, 2021 at Edith Dalton James High School, targets students who were unable to complete their high school education as well as students who require assistance to improve on basic mathematics and English. The age group of the participants in the programme ranges from 16-40 years old.
Kemar Sangster, one of the students in the programme, explained that he needed to get back to basics with his English and matha and Thomas introduced him to the programme which has impacted his life.
"I'm being fair right now, I feel really sharp. As a parent I feel like I am able to assist my child with her homework, and even myself ! I feel like I am able to do better in maths and also I feel like my English skills are being sharpened. My plans as a working man is to probably go to an extra class elsewhere to obtain the subjects I didn't get," Sangster said.
The programme coordinators are Andre Byldgen and Shawayne Nelson, whilst the tutors are Tamoy Campbell for English and Alexia Mathews for mathematics.
Campbell said her time with the students has been amazing, and knowing she is helping to mould minds is satisfactory.
"It's awesome to know you're here moulding minds and transforming persons but at the same time you learn so much from the students. They're all from various backgrounds and they have their own personality and flair, which also makes class come alive and vibrant.
"As much as I am teaching, I am also learning from them. We have a good rapport and of course, there's a lot of fun. It makes you feel good knowing you're doing something that's really great, and they leave here every time and come back the next week enthused and rearing and ready to go because you've done your best and given your absolute all to them. Also, because they are eager and enthusiastic it makes the teaching and learning process absolutely amazing. I don't think I'd want to do anything else on my Saturdays than come here and teach my awesome star students," Campbell said.
Councillor candidate Thomas said the programme has created quite an impact in the Duhaney Park community as COVID-19 disrupted the intended academic advancement of many youngsters.
Thomas added that participants will be placed in a mentorship programme to track their progress, and efforts will be made ensure that their success is monitored.
Further, she said she will be hosting a mini graduation programme and a review of each student's progress at the close of the programme.
Thomas said participants who do well will be given a scholarship/small grant to assist with their additional academic pursuits.
"Quality education is a vehicle to obtain meaningful jobs, a stable career and financial independence. Education is my passion. I believe that when we educate people we build our nation and by extension our country, thus, basic mathematics and English must be understood," Thomas said.
Thomas also appealed to persons willing to sponsor a child in the programme to email ccthomasmich@gmail.com for arrangements to be made.