Students Need Your Help

With students back in school and their academic lives on track again, it is time to focus on their less obvious needs.

In the best of times they face many challenges in finding the motivation and skills they need to succeed in their education. After experiencing such an abnormal year, their need for support will be even greater.

"People can help our students succeed by joining Coaching for Success, the mentorship programme at John Gray High School", says Programme Coordinator Nat King

"Every year we draw from the community to help as mentors. Students need someone they can see as a role model, someone who will support them in discovering they are able to do things for themselves and someone who can see what is possible for them. For a small investment of less than an hour per week, people will be amazed at the difference it makes to students."

To start with, mentors will receive two day's training in areas such as interpersonal and coaching skills, responsibility and self-awareness, and communication.

At the end of the programme everyone attends a completion ceremony where the success of the pupils is recognized.

Last year's mentors call the programme rewarding and empowering. "The coaching skills that you absorb through the program are easily transferred to a work environment. Anyone in a supervisory position would benefit from the program. The one hour commitment every week is small compared to the benefits the children and you gain," said veteran mentor Amy Hunt.

Jean Solomon from the department of employment relations is passionate about her role as a coach. "I am grateful to my employers for allowing me to be part of such a worthwhile venture. I am confident that the young people mentored will become productive members of this community as they work with their coaches to make career choices."

Permanent Secretary for Education, Mrs. Joy Basdeo, also praised the programme: "We believe we have already begun to see results in terms of raising students' self-esteem and keeping them on track in their school work. We are grateful in particular to the mentors who work with these students and share their pride in their achievements."

Coaching for Success is the first programme of its kind in the Caribbean. Although it receives some funding from the Department of Education, it relies heavily on sponsorships from the local business community. Last year's programme received funds from the Rotary Club and the Lions Club.

People interested in becoming mentors or businesses that want to contribute, can contact Mr. King at natking50@hotmail.com or call him at 949-9444 or 925-6120.