by G Roach
The 2011 summer school program, where over 160 children were enrolled, ended Friday, August 12, 2011 after three weeks.
The program was conducted at the Brades Primary school. It was organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Community Services and Sports (MYACTS).
To end the event, the teachers showcased in an exhibition of the children achievements of items of art, craft and jewelry making, they worked on throughout the entire program. There were lively performances by the students in some dance and other forms of entertainment, such as steel pan music.
One assistant in Angel Cassell was a facilitator and spoke to reporters. She said she facilitated the artwork program the children who ranged from age seven. She explained, “ the children basically used different materials to create things. All that you see here at the exhibition today is their work”
She pointed out how she showed an example of how it was done,” but they did it on their own,” she said adding that some of the children found it difficult at first, but in the end, “they understood and enjoyed themselves tremendously.”
“I think it’s important that the children have something to do in the summer to keep them engaged and at summer school they can learn different skills that they can develop on later in life .
Thomas Willcock said 39 (thirty nine) children worked very hard during the past three week s to produce these lovely items.” He pointed out that a number of things that were made from “local materials mixed with materials that are bought from overseas.”
Willock added, “The children have made up to seven items but in fact every child made something and as you already said they are beautiful …they have made necklaces, earrings and chains; broaches,foot chains. He noted some they have made out of calabash, pistachios, and so they combine them with other things brought from overseas.”
Several students expressed how they enjoyed the art class: “because it’s plenty things to do and the teachers help us out what to do and she take care of us and we have very much fun doing it,” they exclaimed.
Earlier MYACTS organisers had said they had to turn back some children as they could only have accommodated so many. The Ministry have been doing this successfully for some years.2011 Summer School Dance Student.2
