More than 100 students graduated from the “JA Our City” and “JA Our Community” programmes this week.
JA Our City allows students to study careers and hone the skills they will need to work in specific careers.
“JA Bahamas decided to offer programmes at the elementary level as we saw the need for students to understand the importance of how money works, budgeting, zoning, how communities and the local economy work, careers and teamwork at a younger age which most students at elementary level are not exposed to ordinarily,” said Lashanta Smith, program manager for the New Providence area.
“If students are exposed to our programmes at younger ages their ability to adapt and achieve increases as we build a more equipped citizen and business persons.”
Audry Smith-Porras, Columbus Primary Spanish teacher and JA alumnus said, “It was an excellent programme and the kids enjoyed themselves learning about zoning and careers.”
Sherene Gray, guidance counselor at Yellow Elder Primary said the JA programme is needed in all primary schools.
“It prepares our students for the business world at an early age by utilising fun activities students are able to identify and read a blue print and develop an appreciation for basic business operations,” she said.
Administrators and teachers at Ridgeland Primary said they were pleased that Junior Achievement now offers programmes at the primary school level and asked that the programme be implemented nationally and extended.
“We are excited about the response we have received thus far. All reports indicate that students and facilitators are happy with the curriculum and we look forward to other schools seeking interest in one or more of our 11 programs currently being offered,” said Laquinta Tynes, deputy programme manager of JA New Providence.
All JA Elementary programmes run between 6-10 weeks and are facilitated by teachers and sponsored by Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, CIBC First Caribbean, Scotiabank, Bahamas Electricity Corporation, Deloitte, Bahamas First and Commonwealth Bank.
