22 graduate in summer school program in information technology and sports

A summer school program in Information Technology and Sports organized by Sagicor General Somerset of St. Joseph ended on Friday August 5^th with an educational field trip to the Cabrits National Park and climaxed with a graduation ceremony on Sunday 7^th August, 2016.

Twenty two (22) children between the ages of 6 and 10, were each presented with a Certificate of Participation by the club’s Second Vice President Alexson Alexander. In addition, six special prizes (including two tablets) were awarded to outstanding participants, while every child who attended the program received a supply of stationery, which included books, pens, pencils and rulers, among other items.

Attendees were placed into two separate groups, the 6-8 years and the 9-10 years old, and the prizes were distributed accordingly. Prizes were awarded in the areas of Proficiency in Information Technology, Cricket and for Discipline. Among those who presented the prizes to the children were founding member, Dalrymple Charles, First Vice President Elue Charles and the club’s longest serving active member, Clement Cato Ferreira.

Although the program was originally conceptualized with an IT and sports focus, a number of prominent motivational speakers gave it a more holistic concentration, and helped to broaden its scope. Presentations were made in the areas of education, health, information technology, religion and the dangers of illegal drugs and narcotics.

The Club’s president, Ambrose Sylvester, commented that the month long program which was held from July 11^th to August 5, 2016, was part of the Somerset’s social enhancement and community development project. He underscored that this Program was absolutely free, and that a costing on it, indicated that parents would have to pay in the region of($150-$200) for any program of that nature. He encouraged parents present to take control of and invest heavily in the education of their children. He advised them to take advantage of every opportunity which presented itself outside of the normal school curriculum, for participation by their children in programs like this one.

The president also commended the facilitators, namely Alisha Alexander and Shanley Paul, both students of the Dominica State College as well as Sadisha Riviere, a high school graduate, all of whom he thought had risen to the occasion, in the delivery and execution of a rather challenging program. He said although no leader was appointed, Alisha Alexander had certainly demonstrated strong leadership capabilities.

This program would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of the Parliamentary Representative and Minister responsible for Information Technology, Hon Kelver Darroux, the club’s current sponsor, Sagicor General Insurance, Former sponsor JAS Garraway Tobacco Factory, and other generous benefactors.

Somerset wishes to extend profound gratitude to all stake holders who contributed to the success of this vital program, as it continues to embrace the motto “Youth Development through Education and Sports”.