With the exception of one teacher, all others are from the community. The impact of the programme at the local level has been far-reaching, with involvement from the members of the community, the transformation of lives and re-ordering of perspectives of those directly involved, in terms of being gainfully employed. As one reformed 29 year-old gunman, now a teacher puts it "for the first time in my life I am doing something right."

Their personal and professional development has begun, as they enroll in tertiary institutions. Omeillo, a teacher in our school, was unable to locate employment for a year after graduating with distinction from one of the island's top high schools. We were touched by his humility and willingness to work at McDonalds flipping hamburgers for $J1,500 weekly because "I just couldn't see myself hanging out on the corner of the streets," he said. We offered him a job to teach at the school and he is now a role model in the community. He attends evening classes at the University of Technology, being the first recipient of the Sheldon Folkes Scholarship, in memory our beloved teacher who was shot down. Omeillo is doing exceptionally well and is deeply appreciative for this opportunity.

As members of the same community, these teachers have become positive role models for the students. They are held in high esteem by residents, who respectfully hail them as 'Sir' and 'Miss' as they proudly walk the streets on their way to and from work at the school.

University student teaching phonics Tuesday and Thursday