The Tribune

ELEVEN boys from L W Young Junior School have been chosen to participate in a dual enrolment programme at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute to be introduced to the skills of painting and decorating.

The ninth graders will participate in the ten-week programme while completing junior school. The three classes include introduction to painting with Maths and English on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8am to 3pm. According to Alexander Darville, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational’s (BTVI) Dean of Construction Trades, there is a misconception that people do not need formal education for painting. However, he said there are many components, including estimation and preparation of surfaces.

The initiative is the idea of L W Young’s vice-principal, Stephen McPhee, who noted that it is a source of motivation for the students and an extra push for them to excel.

“My principal, Janet Nixon, and the entire administrative team are very supportive of this initiative, recognising that these students are social leaders, but not academically motivated,” he said. “However, they are practical learners. We want to show them that learning can be fun for them and we need to create the environment for these students to bloom. We believe a sense of self-worth would affect their academic and social behaviour.”

Kenyetta Hepburn, mother of a 14-year-old participant, said she is optimistic about the programme. “I believe this will help these boys with their grades a lot. My son is already talented with his hands and it will give him an opportunity to see what his career choices are.”

Another parent, Stacey Outten, expressed her gratitude that her son has been given this chance. The mother of four feels it will help him to become more responsible. Meanwhile, her 13-year-old son said, “I like painting. My future looks brighter. I’m excited to have been chosen.”

Painting and Decorating instructor, David Barry, met the youngsters before their official day of instructions and has already seen the difference a change of setting can produce. Although the boys will only be introduced to the painting programme, Mr Barry hopes it ignites an interest to return to BTVI later.

“They’re excited to be in this environment,” Mr Barry said. “I hope they will stay in the painting programme; the point is to finish the programme. BTVI’s painting programme is about preservation as well, so it’s much more than painting on a surface. We do furnishing finishing and wall covering too, as the interior part of painting.”

Mr Darville is convinced the programme will result in an improvement in the young men. “We believe it will assist with their attempt at the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) exams. This is a gateway into the institution and the long-term goal is that they would eventually do Introduction to Interior Painting. This is how we change lives,” he said.

Academic Dean, Pleshette McPhee, echoed his sentiments, adding that the benefits of the initiative will be monumental. “Sometimes the schools may not be keeping them engaged and they may sometimes become a number. They should be channelled into the direction of their talents. We must harness the skills of our young children. This programme is into saving lives,” she stressed.