Domino programme a hit at Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre
In a move to use the game in uplifting educational standards of youth around the island, the National Association of Domino Bodies (NADB) launched its new initiative ‘Interception not Incarceration’ at the Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre recently.
A total of 48 boys participated in the activities — practising accumulation by similarities and utilisation of resources for four days at the institution.
At the end of the four days of activities, the boys were presented with NADB books, medals, domino tables, dominoes and headphones for their participation and good behaviour.
Superintendent Barrington James, who works at the Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre, said that the programme was a success.
“Basically this was just a normal summer programme for us with different activities such as cricket, football, etc, but the domino initiative drew a lot of interest among the boys. They were very excited to play the game. It was a success as not only the boys participated, but also the staff members, teachers, correctional officers…everybody took part.
“However, our main objective was to get the boys to think, to focus, and to concentrate good. Not just inside of the classroom, but also outside and this domino programme got them to do all of that as they have settled down,” James told the Jamaica Observer.
James said he hopes to have the domino initiative as a regular part of their activities.
“This cannot just be a one stop thing here, it has to be a continuous programme for the boys. With these set of boys, we have to get them in programmes that are helping them on a regular basis and so I am in discussion with the organisers from NADB to have them come in and help the boys at least one or two days per week,” he said.
Humbert Davis, camp director, said that this move is a continuation of their thrust to develop and improve learning abilities.
“Throughout the four days, we had the boys practising how to utilise their resources and engage their minds to retain information and appreciate space, to develop other skills that can assist them both in the classroom and outside in the real world.
Davis said their ‘Interception not Incarceration ‘, was one of NADB’s latest products through its programme “development and retention through fair play”.
