More than 80 grade 6 students at St Jude’s Primary School in Waltham Gardens, St Andrew, are now better prepared, more confident, and deeply encouraged as they approach their Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations following the successful completion of the PEP for Success Camp.

The camp, a six-week initiative, held from January 31 to March 14, 2026, was led by the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston in collaboration with the Kiwanis Clubs of downtown Kingston and North St Andrew. The programme brought together 10 student tutors, 16 adult volunteers, and participants from four high schools, all united by a shared commitment to youth development and educational support.

Hosted at St Jude’s Primary, the camp provided structured academic assistance in a supportive and nurturing environment. High school Key Club members served as classroom assistants under the guidance of trained grade six teachers, offering one-on-one support in literacy, numeracy, and comprehension. This model ensured the programme strengthened, not replaced, the formal teaching process.

Over the course of six Saturdays, volunteers contributed approximately 470 service hours, reinforcing lessons, building student confidence, and fostering a culture where students felt comfortable seeking help. Tutors reported noticeable improvements in student engagement, independence, and academic ability, with many students demonstrating increased confidence and even assisting their peers.

The programme concluded with a closing ceremony on March 14, where students, tutors, and volunteers celebrated their collective achievements. Emotional tributes highlighted the programme’s impact, not only on students, but also on educators.

Grade six coordinator at St Jude’s Primary Marshalae Brown expressed heartfelt appreciation, noting that the initiative significantly supported both students and teachers, easing classroom pressures and enhancing the overall learning environment.

Further, St Jude’s Primary Principal Susannah Ainsworth described the project as “impactful”, emphasising that such acts of mentorship leave lasting impressions on students’ lives.

The success of the PEP for Success Camp is rooted in strong collaboration among schools, service clubs, and youth volunteers. The initiative forms part of a broader vision by the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of Jamaica’s education sector through community-driven action.

Through its contribution, the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston said it has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing initiatives that uplift and empower young Jamaicans.