United Way TCI engage youths in conversations on literacy and future plans

A three-series enrichment programme put on by United Way TCI saw members of the community engaging with youths, aged 7 to 12, on their social skills and academic aspirations.

Started two months ago, the three-series community conversation was aimed at finding ways to improve the TCI’s literacy rate, through programmes and initiatives.

United Way hosted Canapés and Conversation for the ladies, Grazing and Conversation for the men and Playground and Conversation for the children.

The children’s conversation started with enrolment of 65 children in a three-week enrichment programme where they were assessed and put into groups that matched their academic and social skills.

“It is now week three and we are so proud to put them on display for our community. We have learned so much from them and about them, which we will be using to create more fun learning programmes for them,” United Way TCI Board Chairman Mark Fulford relayed this week.

While the focus was on academic support, other areas of interest popped up during the sessions.

“Because we had a mixed group of children, we realised that we have some very brilliant minds that if not mentored can lead down wrong paths.”

One of those “wrong paths”, according to the organisation is the interest displayed in nontraditional careers, and while not wrong, they said it was the misconception shared by some of the youths that they will not need academics to achieve their goals.

Fulford said: “These children are not interested in traditional careers, they want to be YouTubers, Tic Tokers, Gymnast, Dancers, Models and whilst they are great careers, the children seem to think that it can be achieved without going to school, why waste their time in school when money can be made easily overnight.”

United Way asserted that this mindset is dangerous, and the youth of today need appropriate guidance about their futures.

“Therefore, we were happy to have members of our community present to share in this conversation.”

Attending the three-week sessions to share their knowledge and wisdom with the youths were Minister of Education Rachel

Taylor; Director of Education Edgar Howell; Education Curriculum Development Officer Elisann Delancy; Principal of Louise Thomas High School Kordell Forbes; Former Education Minister Karen Malcolm; United Way TCI Board Chairman Mark Fulford; Board Vice Chairman Rex Messam; and Treasurer Snjenza Andrews.

Also sharing with the youths were community business partners Drexwell Seymour and Carl Mills, as well as community influencers and volunteers Melanie Smith; Andy Missick; Antwon Walkin; and Miss Teen Grand Turk Danya Russell.

Parents were also invited to listen in and share in the conversation, as their children were engaged on topics such as school life and their future plans.

United Way said the goal of the programme was to help 65 students improve their reading, maths and science skills through fun learning activities.

“I can truly say that we have accomplished that goal and the children got an opportunity to display some of their learning and fun activities with community partners, which left them feeling valued, inspired and confident,” Fulford said. (DELANA ISLES)