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ASEP gives 16 students a second chance! [Photoslide Included]
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held yesterday afternoon Thursday, November 24, 2011 at the Eileene Parsons Auditorium, Primus revealed that due to circumstances beyond his control he had to drop out of high school.
“At the time I was not fully aware of the consequences of having a high school diploma because of this people acted as though I was stupid other talked bad behind my back...I knew I had to get back to school immediately after realising it was hard to get a good job without a high school diploma. So I made it my priority to get as much qualifications as possible. I know I am smart, I just have to prove it to society, and I must thank the BVI Government, Mrs. Malone and the instructors because if it wasn’t for them none of us would have had a second chance,” the top student stated.
Graduating were Melissa Todd, Trisha Frett, Troy Francis, Christine Roberts, Natacha Durimel, Caryly Adams, Shener Williams, Sean Leaonrd – 1st place in Human and Social Biology, Verlie Fox – 1st place in Social Studies, L G Fraser, Shekeema Smith, Mekesha Williams – 1st place in Mathematics, Joella Challenger, Shemekah Smith – 1st place in Information Technology and Travis Smith.
Compliments of the Education Ministry, Ipads were given to the students that secured the top spot in their respective subject areas, along with Primus.
Heaps of praises were bestowed on the graduates, who glowed in purple gowns, and in his congratulatory speech, Minister for Education and Culture, Myron Walwyn stressed that the students’ successes is a demonstration that “people did not give up on them and stuck with them through thick and thin”.
“The Virgin Islands has a vested interest in your achievements and all of us look forward to see you add to the greatness of our country,” he added.
Pointing to the fact that education is a key ingredient to the development in any country, Minister Walwyn noted that despite an individual’s background or social circumstances, once educated, they can move on to do great things.
“Your past is the past. What will you do with your new future? ...I encourage you to enrol in other programmes, contact the Labour Department for any postings. In a few months the National Business Bureau will be reopened and I know many of you have some excellent business ideas but will simply need guidance,” Hon. Walwyn encouraged.
He also pledged that the Government will continue to work to improve all aspects in the education sector.
Meanwhile, Elecia Stoutt-Todman, one of ASEP’s Instructors, told the graduates that they are on a journey to become “a better you”.
She urged them that they hold keys to the vehicle of success.
“Some setbacks are sometime bigger and better. Once you have things in the right perspectives put the medal to the peddle and don’t look back. Put procrastination, excuses, self-doubt and all manner of distractions that would hinder your success in the rear view mirror and continue moving until they are no longer visible,” advised the instructor.
Also congratulating the students on their perseverance were Beverly Braithwaite, acting Chief Education Officer and Cecily Malone, Coordinator of ASEP.
Former Minister for Education and Culture, Andrew Fahie, who introduced the programme, told Virgin Islands News Online after the graduation that he was pleased to see the enthusiasm shown.
“ASEP started nine years ago because I was concerned about the school drop outs. I am happy the programme came to an end and hope the new administration will continue with it,” Hon. Fahie, the 1st district representative stated.
He was also in attendance to give moral support to three graduates who hail from Carrot Bay. “We were able to turn their lives around. This is a rewarding moment as a representative because it shows when you invest in people’s lives there’s a positive effect forever.”
Standing proudly next to Hon. Fahie was 19 year-old L.G Fraser who passed all five subjects. According to him, he will be attending the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College next semester with the intent to study IT.
And his advice for young men like him who was given a second chance is to, “never give up because the world is not getting any easier. It is very hard to survive and you need to get this out of the way. You need to get a high school diploma and I would encourage them to come to the institution to get a second chance. There is no shame in it. Had it not been for Hon. Fahie, I would have been doing God knows what”.
Dr. Marcia Potter, acting Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry and 6th district representative Hon. Alvera Maduro-Caines were in attendance as well.
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