By Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter 
Participants in the Kingston Central Police Summer Enrichment Programme, perform a cultural item as part of the programme's closing ceremony yesterday at the Calabar Primary and Junior High School, 2A Sutton Street, downtown Kingston. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
THE SMILING faces of 135 youngsters at the closing ceremony of the Kingston Central Police Summer Enrichment Progamme yesterday, stood as testimony to the success of the one-week project.
The ceremony was held at the Calabar Primary and Junior High School, 2A Sutton Street, downtown Kingston.
Following on the success of last year, the Summer Enrichment Programme was held between August 23 and 27 -for the second consecutive year.
It was organised by members of the the community relations department of the Kingston Central police and targeted youngsters between seven and 19 years old. Participants were drawn from the communities that fall within the Kingston Central area.
They were taught the importance of schooling, conflict resolution skills, computer skills and the relevance and role of the police. The programme also featured a motivational lecture by Dr. Leachim Semaj.
EXTREMELY PLEASED
Inspector Herold Newton, from the Gold Street Police Station, and one of the co-ordinators of the programme, said he was extremely pleased with the success of the project. He added that he wished to see the programme grow even larger next year.
"The children were very receptive and eager to participate. Things went exceptionally well, and I hope next year we will have more business people joining us in our efforts to help the youngsters from the area," he said.
Keisha Shakes 17, from James Street, who participated in the programme, said she enjoyed herself and learned a great deal during the week.
"It was very inspiring. I gained a lot, especially from Dr. Semaj who taught us that we should be able to pay rent before we can become a parent," she said.
