Published 5 November 2020
Buckie Got It,
Basseterre St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
PRESS RELEASE100% Pass Rate for the New Horizons Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre
Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 05, 2020 (Ministry of Community Development, Gender Affairs and Social Services): The New Horizons Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre was abuzz with excitement in late September, after learning that its residents received a 100% pass rate during the 2020 CXC/CSEC Examination sitting.
The students, three males and three females between the ages of 14-17 years old sat a combination of four subjects – namely, English, Mathematics, Office Administration and Social Studies, and received passing grades, ranging from a Grade I (A ) to a Grade III (C) in the subjects.
“We were elated!” exclaimed New Horizons teacher Ms. Mary Clarke, noting that they expected some residents to do well, but were unsure that all residents would be able to pass the exams. ”When they all passed, everybody was excited. It was a pleasant surprise for everybody”, she said.
The Centre, which provides a structured residential programme for teens with behavioural issues, offers four subjects, namely, English, taught by Ms. Clarke, Maths and Social Studies, taught by Mr. Clyde Williams, and Office Administration, taught by Ms. G. Deslyn Richards. The academic classes supplement the counselling, skills and self-development programmes which the teens undergo during their time of residency.
In speaking of the 2019-2020 school year, Ms. Clarke indicated that it was going well until the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns forced teachers to suspend classes at the end of March, while residents remained at the Centre. “It was hard, because we were not there with them, to offer them the usual support”, she said. Although Ms. Clarke noted that teachers sent work for the students, she disclosed that some of the residents became anxious and de-motivated, and others were not disciplined in completing their assignments, “and sowe had to find ways of encouraging them”, she said.
With the 2020 CXC examinations now over, many of the students are looking towards their future and the possibilities that lie ahead of them- a matter that is also discussed with their individual Probation Officers, before they are released from the Centre by the age of 18.
Ms. Clarke advised that past residents have gone on to further their education at institutions like the Advanced Vocational Educational Centre (AVEC) as well as the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), depending on their ability and academic achievement. She lauded the importance of the continued academic development provided for residents at the New Horizons Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre. “It is important; it helps to boost their confidence. In the past, they would have had issues with school for whatever reason, but when they reach here and realize ‘I can do this’, it helps them”, she explained.
