Fifty-five students from the Gros Islet Primary School are heading into the new academic year with new skills, experiences and essential supplies following a two-week Summer Youth Enrichment Programme hosted by Pyramid Youth Incentive Incorporated (PYI).
The annual programme provides students with an opportunity to participate in educational and recreational activities while benefiting from the skills and expertise of volunteers and professionals.
PYI Assistant Director Kia Payne said the programme continues to evolve from year to year, with the children and volunteers helping to shape each edition.
“Each year has been different, right? The children have been different. But it’s always amazing. I love the children. It’s a different experience every time,” Payne said.
She explained that the range of activities offered often depends on the skills brought by volunteers participating in the programme.
“I would say sometimes we have different experiences based on our volunteers that come with us, because everyone has a different skill,” she said.
Payne recalled one year when a chess master joined the programme and spent the two weeks teaching the children the game.
“There was a skilled year where we did have a chess master that came for the two weeks and fully taught the children. And they loved it. That was the Methodist year.”
Music has also remained a regular component of the programme, while other specialized activities are introduced depending on the professionals available each year.
“Music is something that we always have. But usually, different years, we have a different skilled professional come. So that’s why it’s always different,” Payne said.
The programme’s benefits extend beyond the activities undertaken during the two weeks, with students also receiving support in preparation for the new school year.
Gros Islet Constituency Office Manager Gerald Sidonie praised PYI for its continued assistance to young people and their families.
“They are doing a wonderful job, doing that for our young people,” Sidonie said.
He highlighted the practical support provided through groceries, school supplies and clothing.
“I mean, think about it, groceries, school supplies, clothing, I mean, it’s like your parents. I mean, you cannot get better words to describe what they’re doing.”
Sidonie said the initiative provides significant benefits not only to students but also to their families.
“It’s a tremendous benefit to the young people. I mean, even their parents get benefits from it as well, because there’s the clothing and stuff after the kids’ summer programme is over.”
He expressed gratitude to PYI and encouraged continued support for the initiative.
“So how can you say thank you? You have to say thank you in a profound way. And we have to make it meaningful to them in terms of how do they come back the next time they come back.”
The Summer Youth Enrichment Programme continues to provide Gros Islet students with opportunities for learning, personal development and recreation, while helping families prepare for the demands of a new school year.