Youth Benefitting from CSJP Intervention

Twenty-two youth who participated in remedial classes offered by the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP), in partnership with the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL), and Operation Friendship, have advanced to a CSJP vocational programme at the HEART Trust/NTA.

The remedial classes, which began in April 2013, are aimed at increasing literacy and numeracy levels in volatile communities across the island.

CSJP Senior Community Action Officer, Denise Adams tells JIS News that under the partnership the Programme recruits the participants, Operation Friendship facilitates the training, and JFLL provides the Mathematics and English Language teachers.

“Through this partnership a 10 month pre-vocational programme was delivered which was aimed at improving literacy levels as well as social skills with minimal exposure to general construction,” Ms. Adams outlines.

She adds that the students had to work hard to learn the coursework and dismiss their own preconceived notions about what they could achieve.

“Many of them felt very stigmatised and many of them had low self esteem which resulted from their inability to read at levels that they should,” she tells JIS News.

Through constant practice and teaching, students were prepared to successfully complete their HEART Trust/NTA entry examination.

According to the JFLL teachers, the remedial classes were not an easy task but their efforts proved successful.

“We had to work from the basic letters and sounds to the other areas of literacy. It was the first time teaching adults. So the transition was a bit difficult but I got into it… the guys made me feel comfortable so it has been good,” Nadine Chin, a first time English Teacher with the JFLL programme shared.

Math Teacher, David Whyte also had positive reviews about the CSJP participants.

“The students are interested in learning and they try their best to maintain discipline,” he says. Mr. Whyte, who is a CSJP beneficiary, is a testament to what can be achieved with discipline. He completed studies in primary education at the Mico University and is now empowering other young people.

Winston Johnson, CSJP participant in the prevocational training programme, is grateful for the programme and is anxious to take the next step.

“I have been out of school since 2005, and I have not taken up a book since. This programme has me reading books and showing interest in doing school work and I am eager to learn more. I told myself that I have to do my best in these classes. The aim was to pass the HEART test and I did it. I start construction next month and from there who knows,” he tells JIS News.

The participants have benefitted in other ways as well. A feedback survey indicated that 87 per cent of the participants indicated that their team building skills improved, and 91 per cent saw improvements in their conflict management skills.

Ms. Adams says the programme has also changed the participants’ outlook for the future.  “I think that many of them see it now as a launching pad for greater things to do with their future,” she says.