Free lessons for Common Entrance Exam

As Class 4s prepare for next year’s Barbados Secondary Schools Entrance Examination, one local service organisation is offering free lessons to students to ensure they are ready for this test.

The Kiwanis Club of Barbados North rolled out its annual Lessons’ Programme on Saturday at Leacock’s Private School in Farm Road, St. Peter.

Secretary of the Club and Coordinator of the Programme, Adrian Boyce said the Programme initially started in 2000. Though the location where sessions have been conducted has changed over the years, they have been able to maintain it.

He said they currently assist 35 children who are from the North and other sections of the island. These students are taught Mathematics and English every Saturday from 10am until noon. Boyce said attendees are taught by retired Principal of the Parkinson Memorial Secondary School, Jeff Broomes and himself. He too is a retired educator.

Boyce said he is pleased with how the day’s launch went, describing it as a “very good response” from the children. He added that persons working with the Programme all freely give of their time to help the nation’s youth.

“This is a service that we are giving from the Kiwanis Club of Barbados North, all voluntary. We teach them concepts and then we give them practice. We are here to complement the school and we are not working against the school or in competition with the school. So we also encourage them that they can take their papers back to their school.”

The Coordinator said through the Lesson Programme, the Club hopes to make a difference in the lives of the children who attend. He also said the Programme is kept free of charge because the Club is aware that are some parents who cannot afford to send their children to lessons and are appreciative of the assistance being given.

“As long as the Club is here, we will give this service because our Club is centred on making a difference in the lives of our children,” he added.