Creating holistic children – 92 transition students complete Youth camp

DPI, Guyana, Monday, July 15, 2019

Ninety-two (92) students recently completed the Ministry of Education’s camp for transitioning students held at the Campbellsville Secondary School. The exercise targeted students who were unable to get the requisite marks at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) exam that would allow them to begin the regular five-year secondary education programme.

The one-week exercise added to what they were taught in the transition classes through the school year. Tutors worked with the students to improve their skills in grammar, comprehension, composition, spelling, reading, vocabulary, phonics, science, social studies, art and craft, physical education and etiquette.

A group of the students as they prepare for their graduation.

Student, New Campbellville Secondary, Abiola Yearwood.

Secondary District Education Officer, Sherwyn Blackman.

Secondary District Education Officer, Sherwyn Blackman said most students in this batch are from New Campbellville Secondary, “while others have come from Houston, Tuckville, Lodge, Queenstown, St. Winifred and Cummings Lodge Secondary Schools. This year, we have had more than 300 students in the transitioning programme for 2018-2019 and the Camp catered for more than a one hundred of them.”

Blackman disclosed that several donors have come on board the programme; as such, there are plans to extend the camp to two weeks and activated in other regions. He pointed to the fact that fewer students are attending the programme as an indication that it is working at the Primary level.

Speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI), quite a few of the students said they found the mathematics and dance classes most enjoyable. For 12-year-old, Abiola Yearwood, it was through the camp she learnt to appreciate mathematics. “I never liked math before, but once I kept practising and paid attention I realised it is a fun subject.” She also noted that the dance classes were the highlight to the week-long camp.

Blackman said the camp aims to provide the Grade Six students with the opportunity to transition smoothly to Grade Seven, and to also provide life skills that will develop holistic children.