October 2006
Summer
We look back at a summer filled with excitement, fun and hard work. In
July we went, sponsored by Transurb Jamaica, Ltd, to Dunn’s RiverFalls.
They provided an air-conditioned bus and entrance fee. We also thank Mr.
Christopher Walker for his contribution. It was a great trip. Our students
and staff are still talking about it. They refer to the day as the best
day of their lives, they felt they were in heaven, they never wanted to
go back home. It was a break from their rough-violent community, a day
to relax and just enjoy.
Around 30 students attended daily our summer school. A lunch was provided for them. The students enjoyed all the different activities.
A lot of practical work was done over summer in preparation of the new school year: classrooms were repainted and cleaned up, desks were fixed, a tent was made, new classrooms were created by dividing old classrooms in two, computers were installed, the construction of the fence was started and so much more. The place looks great.
New School Year
A lot of new students enrolled and even more wanted to enrol. Two high
schools asked to enrol some of their students because they are so far
behind, but we don’t have any more space nor resources to facilitate them. We have 75
students at the moment, divided into four levels. The first two levels are basic
levels and focus on the first steps in reading. Level three is a little advanced.
Level four is preparing for the Grade Nine Achievement test (until 15 years old)
or the HEART Programme (the older ones). Our aim is that by next year they will
be able to fit in the regular high schools or be enrolled in the HEART Programme
and learn a skill.
New Staff and Volunteers
The beginning of September welcomed two new staff members. Mrs. Murrey
who teaches level I and comes from Portmore. She has a lot of experience
and is qualifying herself even more at Mico. Ms. Finnikin is a pre-trained
teacher from the community and hopes to go Teachers College next year.
We are also happy with the volunteering help of Mrs. Fay Williams (counselling)
and Ms. Maxine Porter (the accounting) two days a week.
Computer Classes
Levels III and IV have weekly general computer classes. Students learn
to use a computer and the basic applications of Windows and Word. At
different times students from the different levels come to improve their
reading skills by using educational software. They enjoy playing the
games and learn a lot at the same time. Also students with behavioural
problems are put in the classes and it is a fun way to help them focus
on their work. It gives them the opportunity to learn individually without
being distracted by others.
Visitors
For eight days Sarah, a student from SIT (School for International Training),
came and did a lot of craft with the students. Some students are artists
and made beautiful pieces.
A group of five Belgians visited and we thanked them for the trip to
Dunn’s
River. The students sang songs and played a skit. It was a nice day that everybody
enjoyed. The visitors were amazed about everything that we are doing. The said
it was a good experience. So, if you want to come and experience one (or part
of an) Operation Restoration Day, you are more then welcome.
Student Assistance
Officially, the students have to pay 6000 J$ (100 US$) for the whole
school year, which is cheaper than at any other place. For this they receive
an ID, uniform shirt, insurance plus free tuition. Still a lot of parents
are unable to pay this. We look for sponsors or we just let them attend
school. Even more don’t
get (enough) lunch money and we provide lunch for them. Often we see that
they don’t have (good) shoes and try to get them some or whatever
they really need. We clean and dress scars… we try to be there for
them in whatever way we can.
But, we can’t do this without the help of others. So, we thank all who
contribute to the school to make the work of Operation Restoration possible!
But, we also want to encourage others to consider sponsoring a student or contributing
something.
Wishing you all the best and God bless.
Lieve
Belgian volunteer