Children of police receive summer schooling

Since they are on duty all hours of the day and night, our law enforcement officers don’t always spend as much quality time with their families as they’d like. One programme now in progress, while not a substitute for parental care, at least offers a valuable supplement.

Jacqueline Godwin, Reporting
The police are making sure that while officers are hard at work their children?s education is not being neglected. These boys and girls are on the final leg of a four week summer course that will make them better prepared for the new school year.

Nicole Yearwood, Tutor, Summer Course
?Well they are responding positive. They are easy to interact with. We are teaching English and math and they are really getting into the programme.?

Eleven year old Carlicia Petillo is not only using the time to sharpen her skills but says whatever she learns will be used to help other children in her neighbourhood.

Carlicia Yearwood, 11 years old
?I will be helping little kids. Like my neighbours who are going into infant one to help them read.?

A.S.P. Edward Broaster, Commander, Patrol Branch
?It is very important for us as a department to develop the children of Belize. As well as for the children themselves to grow up and become hardworking honest citizens.?

Nine year old Halley Popper says if she was not attending the course she would be home watching television. She explained why it?s important for boys and girls to get involved in summer activities instead of just staying home.

Halley Popper, 9 years old
?On the first day I met some friends. They?ve been teaching me math, spelling, reading and all kinds of stuff. I would really want the other kids at home to come and have some fun at the summer school.?

A total of twenty-four children are participating in the programme.

The course is sponsored by the Belize Chinese Association.