Health ministry staff support YMCA
(L-R) Sharon Roberts and Janett Flynn help students with their homework
(CNS Local Life): A dozen staff from the Ministry of Health spent time volunteering at Bodden Town Primary School last month. Their aim was to support and help raise awareness for the Extended After-School Programme (EASP) that the YMCA operates for government schools across the Cayman Islands.
The team from the ministry, which has previously pitched in with other community efforts such as clean-ups, opted to focus on giving back to the children of the Cayman Islands, stated a press release.
The group spent the afternoon and early evening at the school working with the 75 children who take part in the different activities which the programme offers at Bodden Town Primary. The volunteers assisted with homework and then a range of activities that included STEM, literacy and KidFit.
“It was a chance to give back as we know that the YMCA is always happy to have volunteers,” Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn said in the release.
Students learn through play with Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn
The EASP as a whole provides after-school activities for approximately 1,300 students at nine sites that serve 15 government primary and high schools in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
At the primary school level, the programme consists of five core components: literacy, STEM, creative arts, KidFit and speciality clubs, such as: swimming, judo and dance. The high school programme focuses on leadership development, vocation and academic support. More than 30 clubs are available to high school students including automotive, dance, karate, cooking, sewing and drama, the release said.
To assist with the delivery of the programme the EASP employs more than 100 youth leaders and coordinators, 10 of whom work at Bodden Town Primary.
YMCA spokesperson Gillian Smith thanked the ministry, noting that the programme has about 40 volunteers and community partners across the Islands with an EASP site in each district, all of which could always use more help.
“It’s so great to see the Ministry of Health directly supporting this important work in the community. When everyone does a little it really accomplishes a lot, and means a great deal to the kids in our community,” Smith said.
For more information and to apply to volunteer, go to the YMCA website. The group also hosts a couple of one-hour volunteer information sessions each month. Anyone interested can also call 926-YMCA (9622) or email the YMCA
