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

The New Horizons Rehabilitation Center buzzed with renewed energy as students returned to school, greeted by the unwavering support of the Elevate Educate program. Project Coordinator Alicia Collins, alongside tutors Antawn Thompson and Glenroy Smithen, celebrated the students’ exceptional performance in the previous year’s End of School Year Examinations. This academic triumph served as a springboard into the new year, punctuated by mini mock CSEC examinations designed to gauge knowledge retention. The results, exceeding all expectations, ignited a spark of confidence and anticipation for the promising year ahead. Students expressed a mixture of surprise and pride in their accomplishments, solidifying their belief in their potential for future success. This positive momentum laid the groundwork for a year of focused learning and achievement, underpinned by the empowering school theme: “Endless Possibilities, Your Story is Still Being Written.” The theme served as a constant reminder that their academic journeys were far from over, and each student held the power to shape their own narrative of success.

The Elevate Educate team fostered an environment conducive to growth and learning, employing innovative teaching strategies tailored to the students’ individual needs. Recognizing the critical role of student engagement, the tutors prioritized creating a fun and meaningful learning experience, effectively dismantling learning barriers and fostering a love for education. This student-centered approach nurtured not only academic growth but also personal development. Project Coordinator Collins emphasized the program’s commitment to empowering students to author their own success stories, weaving chapters filled with victory, hope, and light. This holistic approach extended beyond academics, fostering resilience and equipping students with the tools they needed to navigate life’s challenges. The collaborative efforts of the Elevate team created a dynamic and supportive learning environment, ensuring that each student felt valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

New Horizons Rehabilitation Center Director, Miss Williams, expressed deep appreciation for Elevate’s unwavering dedication and positive impact on the students. She encouraged the students to embrace the pursuit of knowledge with unwavering determination, emphasizing the inherent greatness within each of them. This message of self-belief resonated deeply, reinforcing the idea that education was not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about discovering and nurturing their inner potential. The collaborative spirit between New Horizons and Elevate created a powerful synergy, working in tandem to provide a comprehensive and supportive learning experience for the students. This partnership underscored the importance of community involvement in fostering educational opportunities and empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

The start of the school year was marked by an atmosphere of celebration and optimism. The morning culminated in interactive games led by Ms. Collins and the tutors, injecting the day with laughter and a sense of renewal. This lighthearted approach fostered a positive and welcoming environment, setting the tone for a year of engaging and enjoyable learning. The emphasis on creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere underscored the importance of a positive learning environment in promoting student engagement and overall well-being. This welcoming start to the academic year set the stage for a year filled with hope, excitement, and a shared commitment to academic excellence.

Elevate Educate, an integral part of the broader Elevate Program, provides free educational support not only to the students of New Horizons but also extends its reach to their families and the surrounding communities. Offering a diverse range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Human and Social Biology, Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, and Spanish, the program prepares learners for CSEC examinations, offering second-chance opportunities for both youth and adults. The accessibility of the program, with registration conveniently located at the Elevate Office on Irish Town Bay Road and classes offered at no cost, removes financial barriers and ensures that education is within reach for all. This commitment to inclusivity and accessibility underscores the program’s mission to empower individuals through education, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The Elevate Educate initiative aligns seamlessly with Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew’s 2024 initiative, “Viewing Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue.” By bolstering educational access, Elevate directly addresses the social determinants of crime, fostering healthier communities and empowering youth with essential skills, knowledge, and resilience. This proactive approach to crime prevention underscores the importance of education as a cornerstone of a healthy and thriving society. Permanent Secretary Naeemah Hazelle reinforced the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting youth through holistic opportunities that encompass education, vocational training, rehabilitation, and second-chance initiatives. This multi-pronged approach aims to equip young people with the necessary tools and pathways to thrive, recognizing that education is a vital pathway to building safer, stronger, and healthier communities. The collaborative efforts of Elevate Educate, the government, and the community at large demonstrate a shared vision for a brighter future, where education serves as a catalyst for positive change and empowers individuals to reach their full potential.