Staff at the facility have been working to achieve full rehabilitation of the wards that are entrusted in their care and through academics, counselling and other intervention, are helping them to realise their full potential.
"We try to create and maintain a therapeutic climate in which educational, social and emotional growth can be effected," said Wesley Christie, superintendent of the facility.
The centre for boys, located in the cool and picturesque hills of Bamboo in the parish, was set up in 1974 to provide rehabilitation and training for youngsters who are delinquent or who show delinquent proclivities. The site has a rich history, having previously served as a spot for community sporting events before being converted into a police post in the 1930s. This later gave way to the construction of a prison for first-time offenders.
STRUCTURE STANDS FIRM
The octagonal structure still stands firm today, offering a full view of the community of Bamboo and an extensive view of parts of the north coast.
Superintendent Christie said the facility, which falls under the Department of Correctional Services, aims to rehabilitate, train, and counsel delinquent youngsters so that they can become acceptable members of society.
A professional and dedicated staff is in place to guide the process and according to Supt. Christie, the members act on the philosophy that each person is entitled to the fullest opportunity for overcoming his problems and developing to the maximum, his potential.
"It is hoped that when a youngster is discharged from this institution, he would have learnt to accept the statutes and laws of the country and abide by them. It is also hoped that he would have developed mentally, physically, socially, spiritually and academically," Supt. Christie said.
Teacher at the institution, Nedra Barnett, informs that many of the wards have learning disabilities but there are others who are functioning at the high school level. They are given
the opportunity to continue secondary education and participate in the Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSC).
EXCELLENT PASSES
"Hill Top has been a centre for SSC for over three years now and we have been getting excellent passes in academic subjects such as English language, mathematics and social studies as well in vocational subject areas such as electrical installation, auto mechanics and clothing and textiles," she boasts.
"Our students are full of potential and the members of the teaching staff are working with these wards to help them realise that they can achieve the best in life," she adds.
In addition to the academics, the boys benefit from group counselling sessions, recreational and cultural activities and religious instruction. They also attend church regularly and are allowed to go home for short visits.
