‘A second chance’ – Kildonan Night School empowering
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, September 10, 2019
The Kildonan Night School has been making strides since its establishment in February 2018. The facility was created to empower school drop-outs and persons who wish to re-write the examinations; giving them a second chance at earning certificate passes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).
A total of 57 students enrolled for the new term which provides classes in five subjects: Mathematics, Social Studies, English A, Principles of Business and Integrated Science from Monday to Friday from 17:00-19:00hrs and on Saturday 12:00-15:00hrs. The new term commenced on September 9. The classes are facilitated by five trained and qualified teachers.
The programme is an initiative by the Ministry of the Presidency Youth Empowerment Unit.
Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Coordinator of the School, Colin Moore suggested an initial disadvantage in education can be overcome. He noted the school started with a total of 29 persons who gained a 100% pass rate at the recent sitting of the examinations.
Moore noted his satisfaction that the programme is seeing results which he said will also facilitate the start of the recipient’s career. He explained that with a certificate they can better bargain and definitely see a “brighter future”.
“In 2018, the 29 persons who wrote and came out successful will who now be marketable. It’s not just a programme that gives lessons but it empowers young people. However, we also want them to be well rounded so we try to get them involved in other programmes and projects that can build their capacity and skills,” he explained.
To this end, the Night School ensures the students benefit from leadership, business and job-readiness training, so they leave the facility with the relevant knowledge, experience. Also, free lessons are being offered for high school students who will be writing the CSEC examinations next year.
Moore, who is also the President of the Youth Champion Network, commended the former Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton who played a critical role in pioneering the project. The school is opened to interested persons throughout Berbice.