Year 2006 Overview and Update of Programmes and Activities in and Around the Crochu Multipurpose Centre |
The Crochu and Pomme Rose Ex-Students Association continued to make slow progress in its goal of assisting to improve the education, social, health, spiritual and economic status of all of our people in Grenada. The programmes the organization instituted and/or in the process of instituting at the Crochu Multipurpose Centre are meant to heal wounds and hurts that have divided our people over the years; restore hope to all of our people not just in the Crochu and Pomme Rose communities but throughout the tri-island State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique; develop and nurture our kids in terms of their character and intellect; provide opportunities and avenues for advancement in the lives of our teenagers; and console our elders. This is what our organization is all about. The programmes the organization has been focusing on are as follows:
Evening Educational Programme . The evening classes began on September 4 th 2006. The coordinator is Miss Candida Patrice, assisted by four other teachers. A total of 56 students attend classes in English Language, Mathematics, Principle of Business, Principle of Accounts, Human and Social Biology, CAFÉ Accounting and Business Management. The classes are aimed at students who dropped out of secondary schools and students who have not had the opportunity to attend secondary schools. The goal for these students is obtaining passes in the all important CXC and GCE examinations. The programme is being operated under the Marryshow Community College. Each student paid a registration fee and pays a minimal monthly fee which is used to provide a stipend to the teachers.
Computer Learning Centre . This programme is aimed at providing as many as twenty five (25) students at a time an introduction to computers. Students have the option of going on to a more advanced computer course once they complete the introductory class. Miss Charie Telesford, formerly of Hankeys Computer Services will be the tutor. With the assistance of Cable and Wireless, the computer room has been air conditioned. The room is currently being furnished so that classes can begin March 1, 2007. Students will be asked to pay a minimal monthly fee which will be used to provide a stipend to the computer tutor. Grenadians United in Virginia provided two new computers. The Toronto Chapter provided at least one computer and Mr. Alister Campbell of Virginia Beach was instrumental in providing, in whole or in part, over ten computers. Mrs. Elizabeth James from Washington DC provided one computer.
Internet Café. For a small fee, residents of our communities will be provided access to the internet using up to 20 computers at the Centre. The organization is expected to receive assistance from Cable & Wireless as part of the agreement for using the Centre to advertise its products. This programme is schedule to be operational by June 30, 2007.
Library . The Crochu Community Library is currently operational. The library falls under the Grenada Library Association who is responsible for its daily operations. The library is staffed by two individuals. One employee is being paid by the government while the association pays the second employee.
Youth Development . The facilities at the Center are available for youths to develop socially, culturally, educationally and spiritually. So far, three youth groups are involved namely Crochu Explosive Youths, the Youth Arm of Saint Vincent De Paul and Youth Vibrations from Pomme Rose. Additionally, the Association has an Agreement with the Ministry of Social Development to facilitate the Roving Caregivers programmes.
World Cup 2007 World Cup 2007 begins in the Caribbean on March 3 and runs through April 28, 2007 when the final match will be played in Barbados. Grenada will host six of the Super 8 matches on March 10 th, 12 th, 14 th, 16 th, 18 th and 20 th. With single match ticket prices set at US $25, $75, $90 and $100, most Grenadians can ill afford to spend that type of money. The Crochu and Pomme Ex-Students Association thought that one way to have more Grenadians share in this one in a lifetime event is to bring the games to our residents as 16 cricketing nations worldwide battle it out for cricket supremacy. The organization plans on installing two flat screen televisions in the Multipurpose Centre and work with Cable & Wireless to have the games shown. There will be no cover charge but there will be eats and drinks on sale on days that the games are shown.
Others . The retaining wall at thefront of the building along the eastern main road has been completed. Work on the back retaining wall begun but has since been suspended. In conclusion, it must be stated that these programmes in Crochu could not have been undertaken without the Crochu Multipurpose Centre. More importantly, the Centre could not have been constructed without available funds. But most importantly, the funds could not have been available without the New York Chapter of the Crochu and Pomme Rose Ex-Students Association. Hats off to all the members of the New York Chapter.
