Child Resiliency Programme transforms students

Ricardo Motley, a father of two from McIntyre Villa in Kingston, watched from the sidelines as his 10-year-old son performed in the Christmas dance at the close-out ceremony of the Child Resiliency Programme at Holy Family Primary and Infant School.

He flashed a broad smile as he looked on. For him, his son has come a long way after participating in the programme, which targets behavioural challenges and literacy development among vulnerable children. Motley, known in his community as 'Ricky', said his son has shown remarkable growth since joining the programme last year.

"Reading-wise, he developed more in the reading. He is now more disciplined and knows how to conduct himself better in public," he said. Motley said the progress has also created a more harmonious home.

"We sit down and we read a lot. If he has a problem, he comes and talks to me. The same with his mother, we sit and reason about things. Once he understands right from wrong, we're good," he said.

Before enrolling, his son struggled with impulse control. Motley recalled trying physical discipline but seeing no change.

"Before the programme, it was difficult to maintain discipline, but now he is more obedient," he said. Seeing his son lead the front row of the dance brought him deep pride.

"He got the dancing from me," he laughed. "I used to dance when I was younger. He's active; he gets it from me."

Motley opined that more fathers should get involved in their children's development.

"Spend time with the kids; that's the only solution. Get to know what they like and don't like. Make them comfortable. Make them learn to make decisions on their own," he said.

The Child Resiliency Programme at Holy Family is supported by Project STAR in partnership with the Scotiabank Foundation. According to Project STAR's schools and education coordinator, Myshka Allen, the intervention is designed to create long-term measurable change for children in downtown communities.

"Knowing the realities of the community, we reached out to the [programme]. We had seen the work they were doing at Boys Town and knew it would be a strong fit for Holy Family," she said. "This project is meaningful to Project STAR on many levels. It is a measurable, sustainable intervention that invests in the same children over a three-year period. Through that consistency, we are seeing real results."

Students who once struggled with reading, confidence and self-regulation are now showing significant improvement.

"We hear it directly from the children," Allen said. "They are beginning to see that there are real possibilities beyond their immediate surroundings, and that those possibilities are within reach."

The Scotiabank Foundation, the programme's main sponsor, has also helped provide enrichment activities, school supplies and positive experiences that build students' confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Child Resiliency Programme Director Dr Kim Scott said initiatives like this are essential for addressing unhealed trauma that can follow children into adulthood.

"We design programmes like this because we understand the long-term impact of childhood trauma. That is why we are intentional about activities like drumming, dancing and sport," she said.

"Research shows that these experiences help protect children from adverse outcomes later in life. This work is critical, and it is something we are very proud of."