FOLLOWING the success of last year’s programme, phase two of The Re-Birth Project — an intervention initiative for at-risk youth and their parents — was launched at the Spanish Court Hotel recently.

Established in March 2014, the Re-Birth Project was conceptualised by the Melody Cammock-Gayle-led marketing consultancy team of MC&Associates, comprising 20 students aged 13-15 from Norman Manley and Tivoli Gardens High schools who have the potential to do well academically, but frequently display poor behaviour.

Through developmental workshops and inspirational speakers, the programme aims to influence positive attitudes and reform behaviour of at-risk students, while equipping parents with skills and resources for better parenting.

At the end of the first phase, based on feedback from the children, schools and parents, the majority of participants remain engaged and continue to show positive signs of improvement.

The participants also reported better parenting skills, stronger and more respectful parent-child relationships, less time spent on the streets, and greater interest in school work.

Phase one included unplanned, value-added experiences in the form of a full-tuition tertiary scholarship awarded to a student; ‘Parent Places’ established in both schools by the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC); parents awarded complimentary spaces in Helen G’s Event planning workshops that have the potential for income generation; a special loan facility for parent participants courtesy of First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union; and psychometric testing conducted by Dr Trevor Hamilton & Associates free of cost.

“Every child, regardless of his or her personal and family situation, has strengths that are unique to him/her. This is why we had Trevor Hamilton and Associates, led by Dr Ainsley Deer of Training Dynamics & Consultants Limited, conduct purposeful alignment assessments. From these results we will be able to structure career development workshops best suited for each of you. Then, too, we will be better able to coach you into goal-setting techniques based on your individual strengths and interests,” Cammock-Gayle told the students.

Coupled with a strengths-based approach, phase two will also include reinforcement of conflict resolution training and field trips.

“This is all about exposure and gaining new experiences such as spending time with fine art. And so, we will be visiting the National Gallery, not only for its therapeutic powers, but also to guide you in practical ways to cultivate an appreciation for forms of expression outside of the familiar dancehall music and hip hop. We hope this tour will additionally serve to pique your interest in exploring new experiences to heighten your skills, talents, strengths, creativity etc, while at the same time engendering pride and appreciation in our collective national talent,” Cammock-Gayle said.

Raring to go, Roncell Brooks, dean of discipline at Norman Manley, praised the organisers for the programme, highlighting the benefits they have reaped as a school including a significant reduction in the number of complaints from teachers of participants.

The Re-Birth Project phase two workshops begin on February 21 at the Caenwood Auditorium.