More than 60 students from Carenage Boys’ and Girls’ Government Primary schools who successfully completed a remedial learning programme recently graduated at Carenage Boys’ school. The aural, read, respond, oral and write (Arrow) programme assisted students who experienced academic challenges by transforming their entire approach to learning. Carenage Girls’ Standard Three student, Adana Ramlogan emerged as the most improved student at the graduation. The programme focused on reading, spelling, dictation, speech and listening skills, which produce significant results in those who have learning difficulties. The computer-based learning also applies use of the self-voice, a recording of the learner’s own voice, which forms the basis of the multi-sensory learning approach.
The training was a partnership between the local arm of Arrow and bp Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT). Ronda Francis corporate responsibility manager at bpTT explained the rationale behind the project: “Education is the most critical area among our many social investment initiatives. From pre-primary to post-graduate level, we are providing opportunities to energise our future leaders. It was important that the teachers in the various schools were trained in the Arrow method to ensure the programme reaches every student who needs help to realise their full potential. BPTT is happy to be part of this truly worthwhile initiative.”
Principal of Carenage Girls’ Primary Charlayne Knight-Casimire gave high marks to the project. “This training is a holistic tool that extends beyond academics to improve the actual attitude of the students to learning. BPTT and the Arrow Foundation must be commended for this investment in our young people,” she said. The Arrow Foundation is a non-profit organisation led by director Christopher Bonterre.