From one student to 25
Police constables launch homework club in Trelawny
Published:Wednesday | April 9, 2025 | 12:10 AMLeon Jackson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
When constables Nadia McKenzie and Jerome Stephens decided to help a student from Wakefield Primary School in Trelawny, they could not have envisaged that this small effort would blossom into a vibrant homework club.
“We just saw this student appearing to struggle with his work, so we decided to help,” said McKenzie. “Soon, he brought along a friend, and then another friend, and, before you could count to 10, the number grew until we are here today with 25 students.”
As the numbers grew, McKenzie and Stephens decided to create a homework club to organise the structure. With the increased number of participants and the blessing of Superintendent Winston Milton, the police commander for Trelawny, the club is now in full swing.
McKenzie recalled that, when they first brought the idea to Milton, he was quite fascinated about it and gave them his blessing without hesitation. This gave the duo an extra drive to make the club a success.
Last Saturday afternoon, in a glitzy ceremony which featured the Trelawny Marching Band, Scouts from the Wakefield Primary School, and a Cadet Corps on parade, the homework club was officially launched at the Wakefield Police Station.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Glenford Miller, the police commander for Area One – which covers Trelawny, Hanover, Westmoreland and St James – was among those at the launch. In his address, he reminisced on his days as a student, trying to succeed under challenging conditions.
LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY
“I remember when I studied for my Common Entrance Exams using a bottle lamp. That did not stop me from studying,” said Miller. “Today, you have a greater opportunity, so you must make use of it. This is a life-changing opportunity, and I congratulate constables Mckenzie and Stephens for their initiative.”
Miller expressed the hope that the club will help to foster a good relationship between the community and the police.
In his remarks, Milton said he believed it was an excellent idea and commended the cops for the initiative. He also made an appeal for other stakeholders to support the project.
“By investing in our youth, we give them an opportunity to grow and become useful citizens and stay away from crime,” said Milton. “The benefits are far-reaching – improved academic performance and an improved community relationship, which will give the students a sense of belonging.”