Over the course of the summer vacation, children from many backgrounds were welcomed at Beauty Within, a store in the Landsome Plaza, to upgrade their reading skills and their ability to comprehend written texts.
The proprietor, Junita Fleming, who customarily runs afterschool remedial sessions, had transformed a portion of her store into a classroom setting for the purpose of accommodating 25 young students ranging from ages 4 to 13.
Ms. Fleming stated: “I am the founder of J’s After School Club which consists of a number of children from kindergarten to high school. As a former teacher, myself, I have been blessed to be working with these children, giving them special attention, and helping them to master their literacy and numeracy skills.
“During the summer vacation, however, classes continued with special emphasis on reading in what was dubbed a Summer Reading Challenge. The focus of this ‘challenge’ was not just to encourage children to read, but also to help them comprehend and recall what they read. There is no more rewarding a feeling that a teacher can have than when a child can master the art of reading. It is such a satisfying feeling when a teacher can witness a child progressing in his or her reading abilities.”
Now that the summer has ended, and the kids have returned to school, Junita decided to reward them by making them a contribution of school supplies. To the delight of her vacation reading pupils, the presentations were made last Friday afternoon, September 7th.
The main sponsor of the supplies was ANGLEC, Anguilla’s outstanding partner in community services. Anglec’s Public Relations Officer, Ms Jemila Morson-Hodge, was on hand for the presentations and made these comments: “When we learned of Junita’s desire to reward her students, we were moved by her story and her commitment to the development of youth. Initiatives like J’s After School Program provide a sound foundation for educational achievement and overall student’s success.
“With confident and competent youth, Anguilla is one step closer to a brighter future, and ANGLEC is honoured to take this step in contributing these school supplies to J’s 2018 Program.”
Speaking on behalf of the grateful children, one parent testified: “My child has been attending after school classes from pre-school and now is in third grade. The progress I have seen has convinced me to continue with J’s classes. When I do not understand a topic, that is being taught at school, I know exactly where to get help from for my child: J’s After School classes. The Summer reading sessions have not only encouraged my child to read but to remember information that is read. My child had a challenge with this before. Thanks, Junita, for all your assistance and thanks as well to ANGLEC.”
