The third Children’s summer play-scheme took place this year beginning on July 20th and ending on August 21st. The venue was again Lookout Nursery.
Payment per session was $5.00 (with a subsidy to some unable to pay) and this included transport for some children to attend from as far afield as Salem. The numbers attending were between 30’s in the first two weeks 29 in the third and gradually tailed off to 20 in the last 2 weeks.
Montserrat Social Services Department believe that this is a crucial support to parents who need to work during the long summer break. It provides a safe place for these children to go, have fun, and be supervised during the holiday period.
Staff
Cassandra Bramble a teacher from the scheme last year began in week one and was joined in week two by Arietta Buffonge who also worked in the scheme the previous year. Together they then managed the programme reliably and with commitment to the end.
One ‘Hype’ student had been attached to the scheme for the duration but otherwise the scheme relied on young people looking for work experience/needing some summer work and diversion. We paid the young people at our youth project rate of $20 per day.
The scheme was otherwise overseen by Collette Bates (MCS member) for the activities/day to day running and Cilla Owen (MCS member) for the young person’s staffing and general support.
Activities
These involved sporting activity, various crafts a treasure hunt and the use of the nursery outdoor equipment.
On Aug 21st a party was held for the staff and children to mark the end of the scheme. A gift on behalf of the MCS Committee was presented to one of the young helpers in recognition of her outstanding support and active involvement with the children this summer.
