A groundbreaking educational initiative combining academic reinforcement with comprehensive wellness support has been launched at Five Islands Primary School and Greenbay Primary School in Antigua. This innovative program represents a holistic approach to student development, addressing both educational needs and health requirements that fundamentally impact learning capabilities.
The program operates on the principle that academic excellence and physical wellbeing are intrinsically linked. By simultaneously strengthening instructional support systems and health outcomes, the initiative creates an optimized environment where students can achieve their maximum potential. The project enjoys political backing from Senator Michael Joseph, ABLP Caretaker for St. John’s Rural West, who serves as Junior Minister in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs.
Academic enhancement components include structured after-school instruction for Grade Six students in Mathematics and English Language. Two specialized educators—one dedicated to mathematics instruction and another focusing on English—deliver targeted academic support four days weekly. Students participate in rotating group sessions to ensure balanced exposure to both subjects. These additional instructional hours serve multiple purposes: reinforcing classroom learning, recovering lost instructional time, and preparing students more effectively for national standardized assessments.
While the schools maintain responsibility for the academic framework, the program receives substantial augmentation through financial assistance, vitamin supplements, and additional resources provided through senatorial support, ensuring successful implementation.
The wellness dimension constitutes a equally critical component, with all participating students receiving daily nutritional supplements specifically formulated to support immune function, cognitive development, and overall health. The supplementation regimen includes multivitamins, DHA, vitamin C, and elderberry, complementing existing school meal programs. This nutritional support aims to reduce illness-related absenteeism while promoting sustained engagement in learning activities. Each student receives a three-month supply of supplements for administration under parental supervision, with continuation evaluated based on observed outcomes.
School administrators have enthusiastically endorsed the initiative as a timely intervention. Principal Alden James of Five Islands Primary School emphasized that the extended learning hours provide a structured, supervised environment during after-school periods. Acting Principal Cleopatra Henry of Greenbay Primary School highlighted the program’s dual approach to addressing both academic deficiencies and nutritional challenges affecting student populations.
Currently, more than 95 Grade Six students across both institutions are participating in the comprehensive program. Implementation will be closely monitored throughout the academic year, with performance metrics utilized to evaluate effectiveness. Successful outcomes may lead to program expansion in subsequent academic years, potentially extending the integrated approach to additional grade levels and schools.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to youth development in St. John’s Rural West, aligning educational support with wellness interventions to not only improve examination results but also foster long-term student success and resilience.