IN THE COMMUNITY
ISLAND SCHOOL OUTREACH & THE LAB SCHOOL BY CANDICE BRITTAIN, DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH AND THE LAB SCHOOL Revitalised from the winter break and ready to take on the New Year, Island School Outreach jumped into 2020 facilitating the After Schools Programs, five days per week. The regular activities provided for children in Deep Creek include Open Learning Centre, Community Farm, Sports, Swim Club, and Plastics Club. Each program invites students to progress at their own level, build relationships, develop a sense of self and empowerment, and learn to be leaders in the community. When COVID shifted our ability to deliver programming as it was originally designed, Outreach pivoted to respond to the needs of the students we serve. In the spring, we provided remote tutoring and support for participants to encourage students to stay engaged with their academics. We purchased 60 tablets with internet data for students to continue their education remotely. In addition, we provided at-home educational resources to the students we work with including books, worksheets, pens, pencils, math kits, and art supplies. Strict lockdown and stay-at-home orders were issued in The Bahamas in March and remained in place until late August. As unemployment rates and food insecurity
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IN FEBRUARY WE TEAMED UP WITH THE PLAY FOUNDATION TO INSTALL A BASKETBALL COURT AT DEEP CREEK PRIMARY SCHOOL. BASKETBALL IS OFTEN EXPRESSED AS A FAVOURITE SPORT AMONGST YOUTH IN SOUTH ELEUTHERA AND THE COURT CREATED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY TO PLAY!