BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN a move set to modify the normal length of school days, the Ministry of Education has announced the establishment of mandatory afterschool programmes for primary and secondary-schoolers.

This decision was revealed on Wednesday (Mar. 25) by Education Minister the Hon. Sam Condor at his ministerial press conference. While outlining specifics about the White Paper on Education Policy, he noted that a critical component of the document is its proposed implementation of these programmes.

The programmes will consist of sports, the arts, community service and volunteerism, and scholarly pursuits such as debating and subject-oriented clubs. According to the document, a National After-School Programme Coordinating Committee would be established to oversee and direct the process.

Further perusal of the document indicates the Ministry’s intention to alter school hours from the current 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. format. SKNVibes contacted Permanent Secretary Osmond Petty, who confirmed that the Ministry is seeking to have legislation drafted that would have the school day begin and/or end earlier.

“We’re looking at starting the day at eight and ending at three, or leaving commencement at 8:30 but cutting the day at three. The afterschool programmes would then begin and last until no later than 4:30,” said Petty.

Petty admitted that there would be some kinks to iron out, but he reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to the project’s execution. He further stated that through the skills students would gain from these programmes, such as time management and conflict resolution, a reduction in gang activity could possibly be seen.

“Research shows that when young persons are occupied constructively they are less prone to delinquent behaviour. Once this initiative begins and students are given a structured environment to explore their potential and interests, we hope they will be able to better identify possible career paths and will not be distracted by the lure of deviant behaviour,” he stressed.

The PS revealed that a pilot programme involving three to five primary and secondary schools would be launched in September. He disclosed that a 2014 deadline had been set for full participation by all the Federation’s schools in the programme.