Inner City Basic Services Project (ICBSP)

Bucknor Homework and GSAT Programme

Many persons might know that the Jamaica Social Investment Fund has made significant contributions to the education sector through the rehabilitation, construction and equipping of schools island wide. However, what they might not know is that JSIF is just as integrally involved in After School Care through its Homework and GSAT Programme in 12 inner city communities.

Bucknor Homework and GSAT classes teaches at her students’ level. 

Childcare experts believe that most learning actually takes place outside the confines of the regular school system and parents and teachers in the Clarendon community of Bucknor can attest to this. Ms. Janet, has 3 children attending the Bucknor Homework classes and points out that she has seen drastic improvements in the reading and writing abilities of her children since the progamme was launched. “ I remember when my 6 year old son could barely read a word and now I have seen a miraculous transformation in his abilities”, she says.

Resounding throughout the community from Ms. Jennifer, the Shopkeeper, to Mr. Blacka, the Labourer, to Mrs. Smith, a Housewife, is the feeling that the Homework and GSAT Programme is transforming the lives of many children in Bucknor. Children who once roamed the streets after school, many without food or someone to assist them with their homework are accommodated every evening from Monday to Thursday in the church hall where they are given individual assistance to complete their homework. 

Principal of the Bucknor Basic School, believes that thisJSIF led intervention has benefited not only the children but it also has reduced some of the strain on teachers at the school. Teachers are often stretched to the limit by being forced to work in deplorable school structures in addition to facing overcrowding and lack of resources on a daily basis. “We know the children are well cared for at the centre and we have seen improvements in children who attend after school classes. Sometimes if just for the snack they go because their parents cannot afford to feed them after school while they are there they are assisted with their homework”, she explains. 

ICBSP Project Manager, Mr. Gene Shaw (standing) on a visit to the Bucknor Homework and GSAT classes. 

Each child is given a nutritious snack upon completing assignments. In addition to providing the snack, the JSIF also compensates the 8 trained teachers that care for the 100 children who turn up daily.

While the Bucknor Homework and GSAT Programme is just one of many interventions that the community is benefiting from under the Inner City Basic Services Project, President of the Bucknor Concerned Citizens Association, Mr. Scille, believes that it might have been enough to save a community. “Bucknor was on a serious path to destruction. There was a lot of crime and violence but since the JSIF has been in this community, crime reduced and people just start living good. We are very thankful to JSIF”. 

At present there are approximately 2,341 children participating in the JSIF’s Homework and GSAT Programme in the 12 communities. The Programme will continue for the life of the ICBSP, which is scheduled to end in 2011.