Adopt a Child Back to School Program makes donation to students

One of the students receive her package
One of the students receive her package

Some 1,000 students from across the island will receive donations of school supplies thanks to the Adopt a Child Back to School Program, the brainchild of businesswoman, Melissa Skerrit.

Additionally scholarships for four secondary school students, two Dominica State College (DSC) students and one preschooler will be made available by the program.

About 100 students from Roseau and the environs were presented with their packages at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium Terrace on Monday 8th September 2015.

“The packages to be presented here are to aid in an easier transition to the school year,” Skerrit, who is the wife of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, said. “In total, about 1,000 students island wide from the preschool, primary, secondary and college level will be given packages which contain the needy materials for school.”

The packages contain school bags, scientific calculators, geometry kits, and markers among other items.

Skerrit noted that paid school fees and supplies are a confidence and self-esteem booster for the recipients.

Meantime, she commended the government on the “great strides” made in the education sector and its efforts on leveling the playing field for all but she pointed out that parents and student have to play their part.

Skerrit told parents that too many times they are left with fully equipped but passive learners.

“This is unacceptable,” she pointed out. “We as parents need to engage in instilling a sense of excellence in our children. We need to value the importance of setting goals with our children, setting high standards and ensuring that they are achieved.”

She said achievements cannot be attained when parents simply state their expectations but action is also needed.

“We have to turn off the television set, put away the video games, set study times, enforce house rules, inspect their books, and build a good rapport with them, their school as well as their friends. If we encourage that attitude and our community is enforcing it, I have no doubt that we can raise top achievers,” she noted.

To the students she also had some advice.

“Now students at the end of the day, you can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents and the best schools in the world and none of it will really matter unless you fulfill your responsibilities,” Skerrit said. “You have to be active learners, pay attention to your teachers, and listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults. Show up to school on time and put in the hard work that it takes to succeed. That is what I want you to focus on today.”

She noted that the responsibility for education is on every student and she urged them to appreciate the importance of a good education.

Some of the students who attended Monday's function
Some of the students who attended Monday’s function

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19 Comments

  1. Danziger
    September 9, 2015

    It is really very kind of you Mrs Skerrit, continue the good work at least the Children will appreciate what they recieve.

  2. ATKINSON
    September 9, 2015

    :mrgreen: More free things. Like i have said when it comes to the skerrit’s and labour party if it not “FREE” its not good. So in her upside down socialist thinking world. “paid school fees and supplies are a confidence and self esteem booster” I think that leads to dependency, higher taxes, and maybe votes for the labour party. So look at the Socialist paradise Cuba, School, university, medical, is free right, a months of groceries cost about $20. there is no unemployment, no racism, no homeless, no crime, everyone is on a level playing field. Sound great, wonderful. That a place i would love to have my child to be born, not in that uneven capitalist, america. But for the wonderful kiddies i hope the is a free “tablet” inside of the school bags :mrgreen:

  3. staying away from hatorade
    September 9, 2015

    OMG!! Seriously??Why must my people always find negatives where negatives are not even needed. A tropical storm devastated our island less than 2wks ago leaving our country in turmoil and debt that is taking not only the funds we don’t have but other countries to help us. people lost everything some THEIR HOMES LIVES AND FAMILY MEMBERS and because is only 1000 (one im assuming was not ur child or someone you deemed worthy) of said packages your creating a negative push back to shun the organizations part in bringing relief. I mean common man. I honestly feel like we as Dominicans have a lot to play in the lazy attitudes a lot of our young people have today. Expect everything to be handed to them while doing nothing but still wanting to criticize those who either work hard or do the same and receive from it. ALL the leaders opposition and govt alike are playing their part dont be “THAT GUY.” Quit with the politics already ever think that they actually give a damn about DA?

  4. TAN
    September 8, 2015

    Great Job!! AS long as you are doing good the negative opinions should not matter..May God bless you!

  5. September 8, 2015

    And thank you also ms skerrit

  6. September 8, 2015

    Thank you Jesus for helping us out wii

  7. Concern
    September 8, 2015

    Great job pm and first lady god grace and mercy may follow you guys always.

    • Erika wisdom
      September 10, 2015

      Each one of us must ask ourselves what have “I” done to help my country. On another note the wife of the Head of State is the First Lady so in our case that is the Presidents wife who should be called “Lady Savarin”. In antigua’s case the Head of State is Governor General Sir Rodney Williams so his wife is “Lady Williams”. the wives of the Heads of Government – PM Skerrit and PM Browne – are not First Ladies and are respectfully referred to as Mrs. Skerrit and Mrs. Browne.

  8. culture-boy
    September 8, 2015

    Obviously, the negative critics in this post did not learn from Tropical Storm Erika;
    Another storm maybe, with only the negative critics on the island!
    Lord forgive them, for they don’t know what they do!

    • Danziger
      September 9, 2015

      Amen and amen @culture- boy,

  9. world peace
    September 8, 2015

    I would appreciate knowing how the 1000 students were identified or picked? thank u.

  10. Just Me
    September 8, 2015

    And the money keeps rolling in ……………………..

  11. more fire
    September 8, 2015

    Boyyy,, look more politics,,

  12. Dominican
    September 8, 2015

    Good job Ms PM. Other young women should take a page from her book, volunteer your time and efforts, join her if you like and do something just don’t come here back biting

  13. time to stop
    September 8, 2015

    Political campaign in full swing.

  14. September 8, 2015

    Excellent move…

  15. grell
    September 8, 2015

    Great job Mrs.SKERRIT,always a pleasant and humble lady.

  16. One love
    September 8, 2015

    May your blessings be doubled a 1000 times more, God bless Mrs Skerrit, God bless and keep up the good work, one love, Dominicastrong ,yeswecan,letsdothis

  17. DomLucian
    September 8, 2015

    Great move Mrs Skerrit! Helping shape the future of Dominica.

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