Inmates Reach Out to Students

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Education

Friday, 01 February 2013 02:30

By Caseen Wilson

Antigua St. John's - Prison inmates were among those gathered at the Multi-purpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre on Thursday morning for the zone III grade IV teacher/student retreat under the theme: “Yes, you can achieve.” The event was co-ordinated by stakeholders within the Ministry of Education.

Special invited guest Marjorie Beazer, counselor and project co-coordinator of the IMPACT Project at Her Majesty’s Prison, addressed the students, along with three facilitators of the project, all specially selected and trained inmates.

The speeches, dubbed “Incarcerated men putting away childish things,” saw each inmate explaining to students about the hard lessons learned and how to avoid these outcomes. The programme is one component of ongoing efforts to move from retribution to rehabilitation at the prison. Beazer said, “The goal of us being here is to inspire, impact, and to educate you. You are the future and you must make right choices.”

The ceremony was also addressed by Education Officer Desiree Anthony, who said, “You can achieve anything you put your mind to, once it’s something positive. You are born to win, and you are destined for greatness and you must believe that with every fibre of your being.”

Also present at the ceremony was film writer and producer Dr Noel Howell, who challenged all the students to live up to their potential. The former student of the St John’s Lutheran Primary School said it was this idea that took him to where he is today. He also hinted at plans to award the two top math students of Zone III with $1,000 each for their efforts.

The ceremony saw detailed presentations from various education officers on science, mathematics, and language arts. Each presenter reiterated the need for students to study hard in preparation for the upcoming exams.

The retreat is held annually to advise teachers and students about the requirements and expectations of the Common Entrance Examinations and address whatever concerns they may have. The other zones will hold their retreat sometime before the exams start in May.

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