Foster home and scouts win education award

(CNS): Nadine Andreas Residential Foster Home was the winner of this year’s Joanna Clarke Excellence in Education Award (JCA) for its Accessing Computer Aided Learning programme. The runner-up was the Cayman Islands Scout Association for its band. The two organizations outside the mainstream education system received their winning cheques totaling to help fund the two initiatives at a ceremony last Saturday.

The Accessing Computer Aided Learning programme which received full funding from JCA offers the young residents of the Nadine Andreas home a computing and network suite offering access to approved computer websites and activities such as ‘lanschool’ used by George Hicks and John Gray High School. The funds will go towards purchasing and installing the PCs and necessary software programmes. The Cayman Islands Scout Association received partial funding for the band which is in need of instruments and uniforms, as well as an instructor to train its band members to perform in the community.

The other finalists recognized at the ceremony and their proposed initiatives included Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium -Youth Development Partnership Scheme; John Gray High School – John Gray Surf Club; John A. Cumber Primary – Improving Literacy and Numeracy through the Arts: and John Gray High School – BTEC First in Music Technology.

The JCA Evening also showcased the talents of Cayman’s students with John Gray High Jazz Combo performing during the reception and the John A. Cumber Primary Year 6 Choir sang “Open de Library” at the beginning of the dinner. An assortment of artwork was also on display from students of Savannah Primary School.

The award patron Joanna Clarke said she was pleased with the diversity of this year’s 14 applicants. “There was a great selection of applicants and even better finalists. We had a tough road to reach our decision, and ultimately, after much deliberation arrived at the decision to award two grants,” she said.

The JCA celebrates the exemplary service of longtime educator Clarke, and provides funding up to $12,000 KYD annually. dms launched the initiative to recognize the efforts of all people and organizations that contribute to education in the Cayman Islands. The JCA Committee carefully reviewed all applications submitted and narrowed the selection down to six finalists whom were invited to give an oral presentation outlining their project and demonstrating how the six JCA criteria wouldbe met by their proposed project.

The JCA criteria includes ensuring the initiative promotes excellence in education; is sustainable and measurable; contributes to increase parental and/or community involvement; is affiliated with a reputable educational institution or organization; demonstrates a proven history in successful education projects and/or teaching; and has a contingency for leadership.

“The award started with a belief that our children, who represent our future, are a worthy investment in the well being of our community,” said President of dms Organization Don Seymour.  “dms believes in the importance ofcorporate social responsibility, and this award is part of our ongoing commitment to recognize education initiatives and provide them the support to succeed. The evening was a great success, and it is very rewarding to do our part to support our community – particularly the youth – the future our Island. I would like to congratulate our winners and finalists alike. The N.C.V.O. had an impressive initiative which we are honoured to support.”

The newly-elected Minister of Education, Training and Employment Rolston Anglin also attended the evening and shared his insight regarding education in the Cayman Islands. Other guests included the Minister of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture, Mark Scotland, as well as the JCA Committee members and finalists, dms Organization representatives, respected educators and supporters of education.