17/09/2013
A second chance for high school dropouts
By RENAE DIXON Observer staff reporter [email protected]
Monday, September 16, 2013
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A long-term programme to help high school dropouts and slow learners find their true potential is being implemented in St Ann.
Suzette Douglas, principal and administrator of the Institute for Transformation and Change (INTAC), says 40 boys, who will live in hostels at the institution in St Ann's Bay, will be mentored and will receive skills training.
Students in a class at the Institute of Transformation and Change in St Ann’s Bay.
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"One of our major visions for the school year 2013/2014 is to mentor 40 boys who will be housed at a hostel here on property and will be trained in construction skills of every kind, which will be certified by HEART Trust/NTA," Douglas told the Jamaica Observer North East. "We would appreciate, also, placements from the Ministry of Education of students at all levels who struggle with behavioural issues and literacy."
Douglas explained that INTAC is a "corrective institution" registered with the Ministry of Education and is geared towards facilitating adolescents who are deemed to be "deviants" by society and who are "dropouts" from public high schools.
"We also offer counselling to students who are on suspension and send back a report to their school," she explained.
"Instead of them going home for a few days away from school, INTAC will accommodate them during this time at their regular school hours," she added.
Douglas said although schools have been informed about INTAC, only one high school has utilised the service, which has seen students with behavioural problems being reintegrated into the school with much better discipline.
"This institution caters to the whole man in seeking to correct behaviours and academic performances. INTAC is operated solely by individuals who have children's interest at heart and have a passion to transform lives into world changers and kingdom builders," she noted.
Guidance counselling, health and family life education, mentorship and behaviour modification exercises are extended to students in the areas of their delinquency, she explained.
The institution also has an evening division which accommodates all ages, but provides particular attention to adult remedial education, as well as evening classes for CSEC, City & Guilds, Allied Nursing and Prevocational training.
"INTAC has been in operation since September 2010, and since then we have made many progressive strides. We currently use a computer program/software that is called AutoSkill Suite. This is facilitated by the Ministry of Health and the Violence Prevention Alliance, which assists us greatly with our remedial training (literacy and numeracy) and has to date yielded great results," Douglas said.
She added that INTAC employs a unique approach to teaching reading, and boasts 100 per cent success for all students who complete this course of study, achievable up to approximately six months.
"Through our pre-vocational training we have past students who are now purusing skills training at HEART Trust/ NTA up to Level Two," Douglas said.
The institution works closely with the St Ann 4-H Club and the Western Region Island Special Constabulary Force.
"We have, to date, conducted parenting workshops and have made our presence felt in the PTA meetings of the public schools in this region, informing them of corrective alternatives and the opportunities that are available at INTAC," Douglas added.
While the institution continues to make a positive impact, Douglas explained that the continued support of corporate Jamaica is being sought to ensure further success.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/regional/north-and-east/A-second-chance-for-high-school-dropouts_14984383
A long-term programme to help high school dropouts and slow learners find their true potential is being implemented in St Ann. Suzette Douglas, principal and administrator of the Institute for Transformation and Change (INTAC), says 40 boys, who w ...
