By JIMENITA SWAIN Guardian Staff Reporter
The pilot programme of The Bahamas Dream Academy was launched Wednesday at the E P Roberts Primary School. The Academy is designed by the Committee for a Better Bahamas to bring better opportunities to young children who seem destined for trouble or who are considered 'at risk youth.'
The blueprint for the Academy was drawn up by founding members of the committee Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia Pratt, Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe and Mrs. Laura Benson.
Mrs Pratt gave the keynote address at the launching, under the theme: "Technology Impacting Children's lives for a better future."
The deputy prime minister told those in attendance that "you only pass this way, but once," and therefore it is imperative to do what they are called to do.
In retrospect she said the journey for this venture started in the Marathon area some years ago and has finally come to fruition with the help of God.
"I believe that in our Bahamas, we have to be committed. There is no point in talking," she said, as persons must be committed to making a difference in the lives of at risk youth. She said that she and Pastor Duncombe came to an agreement that the programme would teach, lead and show children the right path.
Mrs. Pratt said when they envisioned the academy, they were of the view that it would focus on children of prison inmates. "And then we said there are many kids who are actually orphans with nobody to look after them," she said. Their focus also include children who have parents, but are rearing themselves.
"I certainly will agitate to my Government to give up land in order to build a building for us," she said. She stressed that if we as a nation are serious "we will not mind establishing something like this in every primary school in every constituency."
Additionally she said that as volunteers to programs similar to Dream Academy, "most of us, if we don't have the time, then some of us have the money. We can donate, because we are investing in our future of our country." She said, she is of the view that if these students' attitudes are changed at a young age, then you will see a total change in the community in the long run.
She said if people would volunteer at least one hour per week, "think of how many lives that would touch," steering persons in the right direction. "The nation depends on us, because we have the know how," she said, "so we should share it." As regards the director of the programme, she called her a hero because of the sacrifices she made to assist the students in her care. "That is what a hero is all about," the deputy prime minister said the nation's children need more heros who will make sacrifices for their benefit, rather than personal gain or glory.
To those persons that have committed their lives to the rearing of other people's children, Mrs. Pratt told them that they would be blessed.
To the students she told them: "You are somebody and don't you let anybody tell you that you are not. You are important and you can be whatever you want to be, no matter where you are today. It does not matter," she sai because status changes and the focus is on where the students are headed and not their present condition. She also informed them that: "You cannot make it without God."
Minister of Aviation and Transport, Glenys Hanna- Martin who was also on hand for the event which falls in her constituency of Englerston, said it was a pleasure to be at the programme yesterday afternoon. She called the venture of the Dream Academy " a form of domestic investment. What we are doing is investing in the lives of our children, in the spirit of our children, in their intellect and creative genius. This is an investment which carries absolutely no risk and the returns are absolutely guaranteed."
Mrs. Martin also applauded persons who find time to give back to the community, in sphere because she stressed that children are the future of the nation.
Pastor Duncombe, the committee Chairman, in brief remarks said the three founding members including himself, Mrs. Pratt, and Mrs. Benson were still heavily involved in the programme.
"Dream Academy has been conceived on the proposition that there are many young people who need additional assistance, if they are not going to fall through the cracks. The programme operates at no expense to the students, "as some of these students would not have had the opportunity to be apart of computerized educational programmes such as this," he said.
The programme runs four days per week, Monday through Friday afternoons, he said with the children being served a snack. He also highlighted that volunteers to the programme have dedicated their time and efforts at making the programme one of success. Delene A Wilmott, director of the Dream Academy was one such person that he lauded for the sacrifices she had made and dedication to the programme.
He said that it is hoped that the committee will be able to establish a building of their own to facilitate the program and also to have the after school programs launched in every primary school in New Providence.
Additionally he said that it was important to note that the programme had unique ingredients, because it not only encompassed education and a social aspect, but it offered a mentoring programme as well. "I just hope that this programme will go on from strength to strength," he said.
Caption:HELPING THE LITTLE ONES – Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia Pratt is pictured with the children of Bahamas Dream Academy Wednesday afternoon during its official launch at the E P Roberts Primary School by the Committee for a Better Bahamas. Staff Photo by Donald Knowles
Posted Thursday 12 June, 2003
