Young members of the First United Pentecostal Church in Harmony Hall, St Mary, have been taking time out of their summer break to make a difference in the lives of the children of the community.

"In these days, when crime is on the increase, you can't allow children to be too idle, so we decided to get them involved in something that could be beneficial to their development," Dacia Campbell, a sixth-form student of the St Mary High School who volunteered to be one of four teens teaching children at the summer school, told The Gleaner recently.

The activities conducted by the volunteers at the church included Bible lessons and art-and-craft programmes.

Positive occupation

Campbell said she was confident she could contribute positively to the development of the children, so she never hesitated to participate in the annual event.

"Last year, we were commended for our effort with the children by both the church members and the community at large, and I know this year will be no different, as we are fully committed to teaching the children," she declared.

She said the aim was to get the children involved in constructive activities during summer, which is a time when they tend to be more restless.

"Instead of staying home, not having anything to do and maybe being influenced to do things that would get them in trouble, it's better they use the time and hear about God and at the same time enhance their skill in art and craft."

Motivational tool

The one-week camp, which was held free of cost, was also used as a motivational tool for the two to 14 age groups that it accommodated.

"Sometimes, the parents and other people will tell the children that they are worthless and they won't come to nothing and those things stifle children. So we, as young people, have these sessions to rap with them and encourage them that they can be good citizens of the country," she added.

The 19-year-old said participating in the sessions was a way to develop her teaching skills and to help her to be better prepared for a profession she is hoping to take up in the future.

Fallon Vassell, another volunteer, said she enjoyed sharing her knowledge with the children at the summer camp.

She said their willingness to learn motivated her to teach and she was almost sure her effort would not go in vain.

In the meantime, Ramone Rowe, an eight-year-old student of the summer class, said he learned a great deal of things and he would be sharing when he gets back to school in September.

Among the things Rowe said he learned, making penholders stood out the most for him.

"I am excited because I didn't know that I could do it. It's an easy procedure," he boasted.

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com