The USAID Local Partner Development and Sterling Asset Management project, Agents for Transformation, has declared pride in its results in improving at-risk students’ lives at Charlie Smith High School.

The programme targeted 35 medium to high-risk students and engaged them in various activities to enhance their coping skills, conflict resolution abilities, and academic performance.

At the graduation ceremony held at the Courtyard Marriott last Thursday (March 30), it was revealed that the participants in the programme demonstrated an improved understanding of violence and conflict resolution and increased knowledge about coping mechanisms and community resources.

Participants also showed an enhanced real experience of measures to encourage conflict resolution in their lives and their families.

The programme’s impact on academic performance was also impressive, with 63 per cent of participants improving their reading. In addition, participants’ parents were empowered to support their children better, resulting in a positive ripple effect on the entire family.

The project management facilitators, Joy Town Community Development Foundation, engaged the students in life skills and conflict resolution training, life planning, communication, coping skills, and weekly academic support sessions in mathematics and English. Some students also received specialised counselling, including grief, trauma, and anger management.

One of the programme’s top students, Richard Williams, shared his testimonial.

“I can say being a part of this initiative has changed my life. With the additional Mathematics sessions, I am now a better problem-solver, and equations are now my best friend,” he expressed.

Addressing the students in her speech, Marian Ross-Ammar, VP of Trading and Investments at Sterling Asset Management, shared: “The real hard work starts after you get the skills. Small increments over time make a big difference. Keep in contact. We’re here to help. Even after today, we want to be a part of your lives.”

Richard Troupe, acting director of safety and security in schools in the Ministry of Education and Youth, encouraged Sterling Asset Management to continue its partnership in preventing violent and criminal behaviours in students and to “unlock the potential of our nation’s boys and girls”.

In attendance was also Leader of the Opposition and St Andrew Southern Member of Parliament Mark Golding, who applauded the programme and Sterling Asset Management.

“I want to thank Sterling Asset Management, who have chosen to sponsor a programme for the children of Charlie Smith who have been struggling to find their way,” Golding said.

Sterling Asset Management said it was committed to continuing the work of the Agents of Transformation programme in empowering at-risk students and improving their lives.