GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin congratulated a dozen students Thursday night who successfully completed the Positive Intervention Now programme at St. George’s Anglican Church.

After offering them words of encouragement, Mr. McLaughlin presented Danielle Bryan her Overall Student Award.

Each student was awarded for their attendance and achievement and heard words of advice from Ministry of Education Councillor Winston Connolly and Dr. Taylor Burrowes-Nixon, Mental Health Counsellor and Marriage and Family Therapist.

PIN is an afterschool intervention programme for Year 6 students from George Town Primary, which is in the catchment area of the church. Students are identified for the programme by the school’s principal and counsellor for intervention. Students receive attention, instruction, guidance and positive reinforcement to help them gain the skills, knowledge and motivation they need to fulfil their potential.

The programme runs three afternoons per week at St. George’s. During the sessions, volunteers from the church, businesses and community work with students in areas ranging from academics to the arts, etiquette and spiritual and character development.

The aim is to help the children discover new interests by exposing them to a variety of areas including social, cultural, historical, environmental and technical.

Parents also commit to participate in parenting sessions aimed at further enhancing parental skills and support.

The goal is to help children successfully transition from primary to middle school.

Mr. McLaughlin also received a certificate, along with other sponsors and volunteers, for his work with the students over several years.

The next PIN programme begins in October. Those who would like to volunteer or make donations can call 926-1511 or 916-8522 or email [email protected]

PHOTOS: Georgina Wilcox unless otherwise stated.