More than 200 children and young adults from Denham Town and Waterhouse were recognised for their achievement, following their participation in two summer camps held last year.

Under the European Union (EU)-funded Poverty Reduction Programme (PRP) KBC Learning Camp and Miracle Tabernacle Youth Workshop, opportunities were provided for participants to improve their educational and social skills.

The youngsters also got internship opportunities. The participants were recognised at a joint graduation ceremony held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston, recently.

The Miracle Tabernacle Youth Workshop targeted 186 young men and women from Waterhouse, offering remedial education in the areas of mathematics and English language, as well as entrepreneurial training in nail technology, information technology, make-up artistry and barbering.

The group also received counselling to promote personal and social development, as well as internship opportunities.

In Denham Town, the KBC Learning Camp and after-school project targeted 27 boys and girls aged 7-12 years to improve reading and mathematics skills, in order to minimise summer learning loss.

Participants were also engaged in visual arts projects to help improve their creativity, confidence, concentration and teamwork.

Deviancy prevention

The programme has also facilitated some after-school activities to keep students occupied during non-school hours, so as to help prevent deviant behaviour.

Head of cooperation, Jesus Orus Baguena encouraged those being recognised to use what they have learnt for their personal and social development. He explained that the EU's support to these initiatives results from its strong support for education.

Both camps were implemented for more than three months. Under the PRP, the EU has provided grant funding of $US41.5M (J$6B) to support activities aimed at helping community members to undertake projects which uplift themselves, as well as their communities.