ABOUT 95 per cent of the students attending the Jamaica Fire Brigade's Homework Assistance Programme earned places in some of the top Corporate Area high schools based on their Grade Six Achievement (GSAT) examinations.
The programme, which is the brainchild of Delroy Brown, chairman of the Jamaica Fire Brigade and Major H. G. Benson, commissioner of the Brigade, was initiated in 2002 at the Trench Town Fire Station with the support of Air Jamaica Express and other corporate sponsors.
Since its 2002 start-up date, the programme has spread its wings to the Rollington Town community, igniting the interest of more than 250 children from various schools.
Commending the programme at the national church service to mark 'Fire Safety Week' yesterday, Portia Simpson Miller, minister of local government, community development and sport, said, "The interest and community support efforts of the Fire Brigade have always gone beyond fighting fires and today I would like to highlight your educational and outreach activities.
FIRE SAFETY
"Today, the firefighters who give generously of their time and effort to this programme can say with pride that 95 per cent of these students who consistently attended classes won places to top high schools this year."
Turning to the week of activities, which is being observed under the theme 'Fire Prevention Develop the Habit', Mrs. Simpson Miller said, "It is very timely because so many fires, especially those in households, are preventable. More people need to become aware of the whole subject of fire safety and what measures they can take to prevent fires."
She also urged the public to pay attention to preventing fires. "We do not need to have all those fires causing death and destruction because of ignorance and carelessness. Everyone can play a part in promoting fire prevention. As a caring community, the church can partner with the Fire Brigade in its public education programme," Mrs. Simpson Miller said.
During the week, members of the Fire Brigade will be working in various communities addressing issues of risk assessments and assisting residents to take safety measures. They will also engage in educational activities, exhibitions, discussions and the distribution of brochures.
