Kudos to the Sixth Form tutors

THE EDITOR: Kindly permit me a space in your newspaper to highlight a group of dynamic youths who have taken the initiative to use their academic aptitude to improve the educational needs of students of Carapichaima Junior Secondary School. The Sixth Form Association Services (SFAS) is a group of UWI and Sixth Form students from secondary schools in central Trinidad who have gathered every July-August vacation since 2000 in order to help students of Form 1 and 2. The association has some 50 tutors who volunteer their time and capabilities for the improvement of the education at Carapichaima Junior.

Some question the skill of these young individuals who try to overcome problems in mathematics, science, English and reading. The organisation, however, has guidance from experienced teachers and the administration of Carapichaima Junior as well as the Adult Literacy Tutors Association (ALTA). The students receive both academic help and peer guidance. They see their tutors as role models and use the opportunity to discuss challenges that face them. Volunteers also benefit as they get the opportunity to develop leadership skills and experience in the work environment. They are able to interact with students of their age from a variety of schools and can exchange ideas, studying techniques and past papers. Tutors find great joy from improving the lives of the students who pass through SFAS. Parents, too, find the association to be convenient and beneficial because all classes are free and there are no additional fees.

SFAS is in the process of acquiring accommodation at the Chaguanas Junior Secondary School. It has plans to further expand to other areas of the country so that more students would have this great opportunity for improvement. This involves using SFAS as a model for other schools to adapt. However, funding has proven to be a big setback. With stable funding, the group will be better able to achieve its goals. SFAS demonstrates the responsible and generous nature of our young community leaders. Thanks to the support of the principal and staff of Carapichaima Junior Secondary, this year SFAS celebrates its fifth anniversary. Classes are run at the school from Monday to Thursday from 8-12 pm until August 19. Anyone seeking further information can contact Carapichaima Junior Secondary at 673- 0003 or 673-6243.

A ALI
Sixth Form Association Services