SHINING EXAMPLE

PRINCESS Margaret School student, Ayra Newton, is the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation’s first Peace Ambassador.

Yesterday, during a brief induction ceremony at the Ministry’s Constitution Road, St Michael headquarters, Chief Education Officer Karen Best told Newton be prepared to be a part of the Ministry’s soon to be launched Anti-Violence Campaign.

The fourth form student made the headlines recently after a video showing her refusing to retaliate while being cursed and threatened by another student from a Christ Church school went viral.

Newton demonstrated an immense level of self-control that has been admired by thousands locally and abroad. She has been rewarded for walking away by a number of kind hearted Barbadians. She also received a scholarship from the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP).

The Peace Ambassador’s mother, Sophia Newton, was moved to tears as her proud daughter accepted her award.

“Thank you for this honour. I am speechless right now because I didn’t know it would have gone this far. I want to thank my parents, my officer, and my principal for bringing me along.
“As a Peace Ambassador, I now have to set examples for younger people, and elderly people too. I just want to say thanks to everyone…I just want to say thank you, and thank you to God,” a proud Newton declared.

While delivering remarks, Best praised Newton for turning away from a situation that could have ended differently.

The Chief Education Officer indicated to Princess Margaret’s Principal, Johnathan Corbin, that he must be proud that his efforts to teach his students conflict resolution have been validated in the video.

Best said Ayra is a shining example to other students that even though it may appear difficult to walk away from conflict, it can be done.

“We are here to celebrate with you that strength of character. I am so proud of you because I don’t know how many persons in this room would be able to do what you did.

“If I ask them to show me, a lot of them would say that they can do it because they would be ashamed. Even when you walked away you were still being provoked,” Best said.

Senior Education Officer Janice Reid, who holds responsibility for the Ministry’s Schools’ Positive Behaviour Management Programme (SPBMP), said the new award will be given to students across the school system who demonstrate that they have what it takes to be a Peace Ambassadors.

Newton, who struggled with behavioural issues in the past, attended the Juvenile Liaison Scheme just last year, where she participated in counselling sessions as well as other self-improvement activities.

Newton’s Liaison Officer, Rozmarie Ward-Waterman, who was also present for the special moment, reported that the programme has an 80 per cent success rate, with the remaining 20 per cent running into trouble with the criminal justice system.

Ward-Waterman said Newton was willing to accept that she was travelling along the wrong path, and was open for learning, fully co-operating with the team at the Scheme.

“Ayra came to camp last summer and Ayra went from being a delinquent to the most improved student; she came out as the top camper…her parents could not believe that was the same Ayra.

“But in sessions, what I stress on is to think before you act, and don’t look at today, but look at where your life would be five years from now if you continue along that path.

“One of Ayra’s problems was conflict resolution, and she was able to manage that. As miss Best said, I know that Ayra wasn’t afraid because I know Ayra…” the Liaison Officer said.

BIMAP’s Executive Director, Dr Sonia Greenidge-Franklyn, who handed Newton her scholarship valued at $2 500, also commended her for exercising great self-control. (AH)컿