Roadtown, Tortola - One hundred and twenty students from the Elmore Stoutt High School have been selected to participate in the Summer Enrichment Programme from June 2 as part of the Virgin Islands Neighbourhood Partnership Initiative (VINPI) under the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Programme Manager Mr. John Banks told the Department of Information and Public Relations he realised that ‘summer school’ was uncommon to the Territory, but parents need to know that it is necessary to embark on this programme as it will better serve the students in the upcoming school year.

“This programme has the potential to provide students with the foundation for success academically and for life in general,” he said. School administration officials identified the students based on their academic needs.

The Summer Enrichment Programme will be held in several churches as an after-school programme across the Territory and students will be placed at locations of their choice with consideration given to specific programmes and the proximity to students’ homes.

Though the programme may vary at specific churches, each programme will focus on reading and math skills, and also includes a variety of subjects which will help students identify and develop their personal interests. The programme will also include professional subjects such as auto mechanics, sewing, cooking, first aid, business and office skills, while basketball, steel pan, and art will be offered for recreation.

Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Andrew Fahie is reminding students and parents that together they should review the information provided in the programme brochures and that parents are to ensure that their children attend each session and on time.

The Virgin Islands Neighbourhood Partnership Initiative which was announced in February 2009 by Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Andrew Fahie, is a community partnership involving government, educators, churches, parents and students under the leadership of Pastor Claude O. Cline.

 The goal of this initiative is to improve the academic achievement and behaviour of students in the Territory.