Bartica’s commander launches literacy programme in Byderabo, new youth group created

Bartica: Commander of “F” Division (Lethem, Bartica and other Interior Locations) Ravindranauth Budhram and team recently launched a literacy programme aiming to ensure that children of Byderabo Bartica, region seven develop reading skills and comprehension. The initiative came as a result of a request made by residents for books and a computer printer to enhance the library and computer centre at Byderabo Multi-Purpose Complex. Residents in the area said that the printer will aid in assisting students with assignments and School Bases Assessment for children using the facility. At the handing over ceremony there were 30 adults and 40 children. A new youth group was also formed which will be monitored by a female sergeant. The group and community members will meet on a weekly basis at the Multi-purpose to be involved in meaningfully in youth friendly activities.  Commander Budhram said 400 books and a computer printer were donated to assist children of all ages. The donation included Phonics, educational, health, story and sports. He said persons from the community committed to give one hour of their time at the library to help develop the reading skills of children and young people who at the time are at the facility and may need help. The senior superintendent reminded residents that the police in “F” Division remain resolute to the continued support from members of the pubic with the aim of strengthening police community relations in the country. Placing great emphasis on the need for healthy family relations, extracurricular activities in the absence schooling, Commander Budhram said education and a rounded personality are important for the young generation in order to eradicate poverty and hunger. “Education is central to development and to the improvement of the lives of young people and as such has been identified as a priority area, knowledge is a key factor to the full and effective participation of youths in the processes of social, economic and political development,” the senior superintendent explained. He said research suggest that education reduces the probability of criminal behavior in adolescence and young adulthood, whereas early criminal involvement is likely to have a negative impact on educational attainment. The underlying mechanisms of these effects are generally not identified and can combine different components, such as incapacitation effects, skill acquisition and peer effects.