Parkinson Memorial students more knowledgeable about dispute resolution

Parkinson Memorial Secondary School Principal, Ian Holder is pleased with the positive changes seen in students following their participation in the Triple-H (Help, Hope, Heal) Youth Development Programme.

He shared this with the gathering at Monday’s graduation ceremony conducted at the School.

Triple-H is a component of an overall project being conducted by the Project of Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice). This group is funded by the Government of Canada under an agreement with the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

A total of 20 pupils, 10 boys and 10 girls, between the ages of 13 and 16 were involved in the Programme which was conducted twice weekly from January 11th to February 28th and from May 18th to June 8th.

Speaking more about the inaugural initiative, Regional Project Director for the IMPACT Justice Project, Professor Velma Newton said the Programme was “a large component of the Project called, Alternative Dispute Resolution.”

“We train persons and speak to individuals and groups about not resorting to violence to solve their problems, not fighting, being rude to your parents, friends, teachers and those with whom you come into frequent contact. Thinking of consequences before you act in haste, and apologising when you have wronged someone; trying to make mark, a good one, in your community and in the wider Barbadian society.”

Professor Newton further pointed out that some of the areas covered included the importance of setting goals and striving to achieve them, teamwork through sport, the effects of crime on the victims and also on the perpetrators as well as academic development focusing on Mathematics and English.

She expressed a hope that the students who took part would take the information learnt back into the school and community. Also that they “will remember that they can make a difference and be positive role models for others.”