State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Pearnel Charles Jr. has launched an initiative to be rolled out in the island’s Juvenile Correctional facilities.

The initiative titled, ‘Learning by Doing’ is geared at improving the educational programmes in these facilities and supporting wards who often struggle with learning difficulties and present behavioural problems.

The Minister who has portfolio responsibility for the Department of Correctional Services says the initiative is a shift towards a more student-centred approach within juvenile institutions that will emphasize the real-life applications of concepts being taught.

Speaking at the launch last Wednesday, Minister Charles explained that “the Learning by Doing Technique will enhance the effectiveness of teaching by treating with the varying levels and learning styles of the children and introducing more interesting and applicable methods to deliver academic and vocational training.”

The launch also served to mark the beginning of the Learning by Doing Competition, which will engage all four juvenile institutions across the island and see wards and correctional officers working closely together to complete tasks based on a theme chosen by each institution.

This intervention represents one of the significant action points resulting from the observation study tour of the Chilean Juvenile Justice System by the State Minister and other Ministry officials in June this year.