By Fabiana McKlmon
The Ministry of Education’s Migrant Education Support Unit has launched an English as a Second Language (ESL) camp benefiting approximately 450 migrant children aged eight to eleven.
The camp, which began on July 15, aims to support the integration of migrant children into the education system by addressing language barriers.
Fabiana McKlmon and videographer Ryan Sookram visited J.E. Burnham Primary School, one of the camp’s venues, to report on this significant initiative.
The ESL camp is designed to provide linguistic assistance through various engaging activities, including art, singing, drama, poetry, and social-emotional learning.
Rampattie Bisnauth, Coordinator of the Migrant Education Support Unit, highlighted that the camp activities are tailored to improve English language skills and foster an inclusive learning environment.
The program is intended not only to boost language proficiency but also to enhance the mental health and well-being of the participants.
The camp, which is part of a broader initiative across Regions 1, 2, 3, and 9, aims to provide the necessary reinforcement to ensure that each child can advance to the next grade level with improved English language skills.
Bisnauth anticipates that this camp will become an annual event, with plans for its continuation in the coming years.
The Ministry of Education is supplying all resources and special curriculum guides for the camp, ensuring that the program is well-equipped to meet the needs of the migrant children.