Peace programme spurs Parade Gardens youth to PEP success

When she found out that her daughter Shanequa Boyd had passed for The Queen's School, Anisha Morris told THE STAR that she was moved her to tears.

"I was so happy because I know she can do it. This is a big deal for me because her father died when she was seven and a me alone raise dem. Just to see how far she come, she going to Queens, I cried at her graduation," Morris recalled.

The mother of three commended the homework help programme in Parade Gardens, central Kingston, for aiding her daughter's development, stressing that it was helpful in keeping her daughter occupied and focused on her studies. Boyd, 12, is one of the 25 grade six students from Parade Gardens who attended the afternoon Primary Exit Profile (PEP) support programme in the area. It is part of the Unity and Peace Programme within central Kingston, which is led by international non-governmental organisation Fight For Peace. Fight For Peace utilises various social investments to positively engage at-risk youth in communities impacted by violence. These investments include a homework help programme and sports programme.

Boyd joined both programmes last year and is a lover of all sports. She participates in track and field, netball, football, basketball, tae kwon do and boxing. The youngster participated in this year's primary school championships, where she placed second in the 100m. Boyd, who recently graduated from Holy Family Primary and Infant School, was overjoyed to have earned her space at The Queen's School.

"I was really excited. When I heard that I passed, I never believed it, I thought it was a joke," she said, a broad smile plastered on her face. Boyd said the she is eager to start her journey at high school, to pave her way in becoming a professional netball player. Alphanso Spencer, the community coordinator in the Unity for Peace programme, is all smiles. Boyd is not his only protege to achieve their school of choice. Eight others who participated in the programme were placed at schools of their choice in the latest examinations. Spencer opined that Boyd's success, and that of others, is proof that the programme is effective.

"I feel real good about it because I'm helping the community, the parents and the children. The results show that a lot of them -- they got high percentages -- and the progress, the dedication they show, and to know this is how they are able to elevate themselves and their family is what helps me going," Spencer shared.