Students with an interest in auto-mechanics, or considering a career in that field, will be better prepared for the future – thanks to a joint venture between the RCIPS and the Ministry of Education, Training & Employment’s (METE) Extended After School Programme.  The programme is a partnership between the Ministry of Education, Training & Employment and Cayman Outreach Association.

The RCIPS recently donated two decommissioned police vehicles to the Automotive Club which is located at John Gray High School and Clifton Hunter High School. The club  was launched in September 2011 and is open to youngsters aged between 11 and 17 years. An average of 50 students now attend the twice-weekly sessions where they learn all about the workings of cars and the safety issues related to mechanics.

The Automotive club is part of the Extended After School Programme (EASP).  The EASP was piloted in April 2011 both at John Gray and Clifton Hunter High Schools. During the pilot, 10 activities were offered attracting around 50 – 60 students. In September 2011 the programme was extended to include 25 activities attracting approximately 900 students.  Shortly thereafter EASP was taken into Cayman’s Primary Schools, increasing the uptake by another 400 students.

The RCIPS has donated a 2004 Chevrolet Impala and a 2005 Ford Explorer to the club. The vehicles were decommissioned as part of the routine RCIPS fleet management programme. Normally the vehicles would be auctioned but following discussion with the leaders of the EASP, RCIPS management felt that the benefits to the club and local young people far outweighed those of selling them.

Chief Inspector Raymond Christian is delighted that the RCIPS could assist this worthwhile project. “This is a great example of how inter-agency collaboration can provide our young people with choices and better prepare them for the future,” he said. “ Without this club, and the many other provided through the Extended After School Programme, some of these young people may spend their time wandering the streets or become tempted to get involved in criminality or anti-social behaviour. This club gives them a clear focus, provides them with valuable life skills and a great opportunity to develop and expand their interest in cars. But, above all, it provides a safe environment for the students to have fun while they learn.

The Ministry of Education’s Programme Coordinator, Michael Myles said:  “The EASP is a fantastic opportunity for children and their parents to be provided a safe, structured and caring environment.  The Ministry of Education is excited to support this programme and ensure that all parents have peace of mind knowing that their children are cared for and protected, Monday-Friday, 3pm-6pm.  Our partnership with the RCIPS has proved that when we work together, great things can be created for our children.  The EASP complements the Ministry of Education’s five year National Strategic Plan which is to ensure all of our children are provided with safer schools and activities.  On behalf of the Ministry, we thank all of our sponsors who continue to make this programme possible for all of our children.”

The EASP aims to provide-

• Comprehensive, high quality youth development activities that will provide afterschool educational, therapeutic, recreational, mentoring and cultural programmes and services designed to improve the social, emotional and academic competencies of school aged children.
• Methods to increase parental participation with their child and the school.
• An intense intervention programme for younger students who are at risk.

This school year, the EASP has a programme at the following schools: Cayman Brac, John Gray and Clifton Hunter High Schools, Cayman Islands Further education Centre, Bodden Town, George Town, West Bay, East End, North Side, Prospect, and Red Bay Primary Schools and the Lighthouse School.