Elevate Welcomes New Horizons Rehabilitation Center Students for the Upcoming Academic Year

The New Horizons Rehabilitation Centre in Basseterre, St. Kitts, vibrated with renewed energy as students returned to school, their spirits buoyed by the unwavering support of the Elevate Educate program. The students’ remarkable performance in the June/July End of School Year Examinations, celebrated by Project Coordinator Alicia Collins and tutors Antawn Thompson and Glenroy Smithen, served as a powerful springboard into the new academic year. Mini mock CSEC examinations, designed to gauge knowledge retention over the break, yielded surprisingly positive results, instilling a surge of confidence and pride among the students. Their enthusiastic responses, expressing disbelief and delight at their own achievements, underscored the program’s effectiveness in fostering academic growth and self-belief. The new school year commenced under the inspiring theme “Endless Possibilities, Your Story is Still Being Written,” encouraging students to embrace their potential and strive for continuous improvement.

Elevate Educate’s success can be attributed to its innovative teaching methodologies and the tutors’ ability to forge meaningful connections with students, effectively breaking down learning barriers. Project Coordinator Alicia Collins emphasized the program’s commitment to making education not just accessible, but also engaging and transformative. She reiterated the importance of creating opportunities that empower students to write their own success stories, filled with chapters of victory, hope, and achievement. The program’s dedication to nurturing individual potential resonated deeply with the students, fostering a sense of ownership over their educational journeys and inspiring them to reach for higher goals.

Director of New Horizons Rehabilitation Centre, Miss Williams, expressed profound gratitude for Elevate Educate’s continued dedication and impact. Her encouraging words reinforced the message that each student possesses inherent greatness, capable of being unlocked through perseverance and a commitment to learning. This collaborative approach, involving educators, program administrators, and the students themselves, created a supportive ecosystem where academic pursuits were celebrated and individual growth was championed.

The day concluded with interactive games led by Ms. Collins and the tutors, injecting a spirit of joy and camaraderie into the academic environment. This playful approach served as a symbolic fresh start, signifying the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise and potential. The blend of academic achievement, personal growth, and community support generated a palpable sense of optimism, setting a positive tone for the academic year ahead.

Elevate Educate, a cornerstone of the broader Elevate Program, provides comprehensive educational support to New Horizons students, their families, and the wider community. Offering a diverse curriculum encompassing subjects such as English, Mathematics, Human and Social Biology, Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, and Spanish, the program prepares learners for CSEC examinations while also providing crucial second-chance opportunities for youth and adults. Its accessibility, with free registration and classes offered at the Elevate Office on Irish Town Bay Road, ensures that educational opportunities are within reach for all.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew’s 2024 public health approach to crime and violence. By strengthening educational access and fostering personal development, Elevate Educate directly addresses the social determinants of crime. The program empowers youth with essential skills, knowledge, and resilience, equipping them to navigate life’s challenges and contribute positively to their communities. This proactive strategy recognizes education as a powerful tool for societal improvement, fostering healthier, safer, and more resilient communities. Permanent Secretary, Ms. Naeemah Hazelle, reaffirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth development through holistic opportunities, emphasizing the importance of providing well-rounded support that encompasses education, vocational training, rehabilitation, and second-chance initiatives. This multi-pronged approach ensures that every young person has the necessary tools and pathways to thrive, ultimately contributing to the creation of a stronger and more prosperous society.