The South Eleuthera Mission Holds Successful 2nd Annual Summer Youth Program

Youngsters hard at work at the SEM Summer Youth Program

(SEM, Rock Sound, Eleuthera) - On July 5, 2010, The South Eleuthera Mission initiated its 2nd Annual Summer Youth Program with approximately 60 students in attendance. This year’s program was made possible by a generous donation given by The Cotton Bay Foundation. The contribution also made it possible for The Mission to start its first internship program, which was a branch of the summer program.

The four week Summer Youth Program focused on improving the Math, English and Computer skills of children ranging in age from 3 to 12. Dealing with children on a daily basis during the school year, Mission staff members noticed a deficiency in the Math, Reading and Computer skills of quite a few of the children who frequent the facility.  This lead SEM staff to gear this year’s summer program towards education. Monday through Thursday of each week was devoted solely to academics and Friday was Arts & Crafts and movie day, deemed “Fun Day”.

In the end, the Summer Youth Program served its purpose. About 80% of students saw improvements in their grades in all subject areas. (Calculation based on students who stayed the entire length of the program and took both pre and post tests.) Thanks to Mrs. Sharon Carey, Mrs. Una Knowles, and Ms. Nicolette Anderson for assisting The Mission to educationally improve the children of South Eleuthera. The Mission would also like to thank Mrs. Stephanie Pearce, Ms. Vangy Nixon, and Ms. Francyss Pratt for helping to make “Fun Day” enjoyable for the kids.

The internship program, also four weeks, was an opportunity for senior high and college level students to gain valuable professional experience. The program aimed to develop the skills necessary for these individuals to acquire and maintain a job. Students had to thoroughly complete an application and an interview process. Within the internship, students had to learn time management, how to work effectively in a group setting, and how to meet deadlines. They also had to develop personal and professional goals for the duration of the internship.

At the conclusion of the internship program, students were able to complete tasks set by The South Eleuthera Mission staff and were also able to accomplish their own goals. Students developed a strong appreciation for teachers as they assisted the instructors of the Summer Youth Program. This part of their job also increased their level of patience and understanding as they dealt with younger children who all had their own individual personalities and could sometimes be a handful.

All-in-all both programs served their purposes. The South Eleuthera Mission looks forward to hosting the two programs again next year.  The Mission is excited that both will be bigger and better in years to come!

Image Gallery