SteppingStones Recruitment has announced it will continue, for the third year, its sponsorship of the Ministry of Education & Cayman Outreach Association Extended After School Programme (EASP) at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School (SJACPS).

The Extended After School Programme is structured to create a safe, productive and fun environment for students while helping them to improve behavioral problems, literacy, numeracy, sports and other social skills that will help to deter at-risk behaviour in Cayman’s youth.

SteppingStones General Manager, Ms Ciara Aspinall, said by creating opportunities for interaction with adult role models through the After School Programme, SteppingStones was helping to instill confidence, hope and empowerment, and improve the academic performance of Cayman’s youth.

“Our employees are passionate about helping students be successful,” she said. “We provide two members of staff every Wednesday for two hours to run arts and crafts projects, read to the children and help them with their homework.”

“We work on a rotational basis so each team members visits at least once a month. Everyone in the office loves to go and it is very fulfilling,” Ms Aspinall said.

Programme Coordinator and Liaison Officer for At Risk Youth, Mr Michael Myles, said he was grateful to sponsors such as SteppingStones who give their time and resources to help young people imagine and realise bright futures.

“Adult mentors like the staff from SteppingStones make it possible for children to achieve personal and academic success,” he said. “The students are always anticipating the arrival of the SteppingStones team and it is evident that SteppingStones staff in turn look forward to working and socialising with our students.”

“When our students see adults giving them time and care, they’re willing to invest in themselves. If you can make a connection and show them their value in the community it makes a huge impact,” Mr Myles said.

There are currently 60 students registered in the EASP programme, with 13 teachers committed to supporting Cayman’s young people to reach their full potential.

The programme provides students with access to a variety of sports including boxing, table tennis, cricket, basketball, judo, zumba, swimming, and track and field. Activities such as homework, reading and educational games are also an important part of the weekly schedule. These activities address challenges students struggle with in numeracy and literacy. Students also participate in cultural activities such as thatching, rope making, and arts and crafts.

“SteppingStones is proud to be part of the Extended After School Programme as we believe it is through programmes such as this we can encourage the children of the Cayman Islands to make positive choices that build strong minds, bodies and spirits,” Ms Aspinall said.

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