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| 'On the block' tough guys |
What’s the background?
In the course of our Gen. Y project we developed a set of seven pathways young people can head down in their lives. Three are positive, three negative, and there is one in the middle that goes nowhere. This story is about how a bit of help can change the future for a person who faces some real challenges in life.
Who is this story about?
Keron Hinds. He is 17 years old and lives in Powder Magazine Cocorite, an area that is well known for high levels of crime, youth delinquency and poverty. When Keron was 12 years old and started secondary school his mother noticed that he was having severe learning difficulties, losing interest in pursuing his education, and becoming increasingly receptive to the messages of the ‘youths on the block’. She then made decision to try and change things and took him to the Paideou Learning Centre in East Dry River for a literacy assessment.
What happened at Paideuo?
At Paideuo it was discovered that Keron had dyslexic tendencies. Fearing that he would be lost in the traditional secondary school system his mother enrolled him at the school - a special educational needs learning centre. Learning was a slow and arduous process for Keron initially. But he became fascinated and drawn into the music classes where the music teacher realized that Keron had some raw talent/skills in this area. He was introduced to the syllabus for the Trinity College of Music London Examinations -Theory Grade One. Keron took 3 years to cover the 1 year syllabus.
How did he cope?
During these 3 years he persevered with a strong sense of determination, hard work and effort. ‘When Keron came to Paideuo he at times displayed unsuitable behaviour and attitudes that reflected his community environment. We worked patiently with him and his involvement in the music programme increased his self -esteem, improved his interpersonal communication skills, and taiught him to become more disciplined and focused on his schoolwork’, explains Judith de Verteuil , Principal of Paideuo. In November 2006 Keron took the Grade 1 exam and, when the results were released the entire school celebrated - Keron achieved a pass with distinction! The pride and joy invigorated and inspired the entire school.
Keron today
We're happy to report that Keron continues to grow from strength to strength at Paideuo. He teaches the younger students in the music class which motivates him and gives him a sense of accomplishment. He is also preparing to sit his CXC exams in 2009. His mom also indicated that he is no longer interested in ‘on the block’ activities and that he tries to be a good role model for his younger sister. He has definitely made a turnaround in his life, behaviour, and attitude.
What does this mean for T&T?
The experiences of Keron demonstrate that our intelligent and talented Gen. Y can be prevented from ‘falling into the cracks’ if they can have access to creative and supportive channels that helps to focus their energy in a positive direction. In Keron’s case, this turned out to be music plus the compassionate attention of his teachers.
Useful link:Trinity College of Music
Key question: How much did this cost compared to the $ 1,500,000 life-long total for a youth who goes off the rails costs a nation?
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