Robert Lightbourne High Career Day focuses on self-improvement
Jolyn Bryan, Gleaner Writer
TRINITYVILLE, St Thomas:
ROBERT LIGHTBOURNE High School in St Thomas recently held its much-anticipated career day, designed to expose students to the world of work.
Teachers wanted the students to be given a clearer understanding of possible careers as well as scholarships and information necessary to take the next step in development - becoming self-sufficient adults. As such, representatives of several agencies journeyed to the remote community of Trinityville to have discussions with the students.
Booths were erected by the National Housing Trust, Excelsior Community College and St Joseph's Teachers' College, among others. Presentations were made by the Caribbean Maritime Institute and the Registrar General's Department, and several students took the time to fill in Tax Registration Number and National Insurance Scheme application forms. Accommodation was also made for several members of the business community to hold mock interviews for a select few, to prepare them for what they would face upon entering the job market.
But it was clear, from the displays erected around the campus by the Robert Lightbourne students, is that they would have little trouble excelling in the world of work.
Comprising of only 276 students and several dedicated teachers, the school excels in the technical field, dominating in the visual and culinary arts and electrical skills.
no trouble excelling
Kerry-Ann Dixon-Thompson, food and nutrition teacher, and assistant leader for the school's 4H group, proudly showed off some of her students' inventions, from callaloo jelly, pumpkin hot sauce, and otaheite apple candy, to the innovative breadfruit spice crumbs. The school has done exceptionally well in 4H, winning several trophies and awards for their culinary knowledge and innovation. "I teach my students to own recipes as it's only a guide. I tell them to always make the best better." she said.
This is no less true for Lebert Simpson, visual arts teacher and head of department, who had the students place their art- work on display. There were a plethora of pieces, including surreal paintings.
Most students matriculate to the school unable to read and write and with severe disciplinary problems, but by the time they have completed fifth form, they are equipped with a skill and the basic tools to make themselves useful.
"I push them to do for themselves. I tell them they won't be getting lunch money and bus fare for very long, so I try to get them to read for leisure, to join the 4H Club, to pick up any skill that would be useful to them. We have to employ tough love sometimes, but we teach that good choices and self-improvement can make a difference. This career day is just one step in accommodating that self-improvement," said Neva Headlam, teacher/librarian at the school.