Academic Enrichment
Focused on literacy, guided study, and IT
The YMCA’s Academic Enrichment Program consolidates and supplements what children learn in the classroom and helps those children that are falling behind to bridge the learning gap. We strive to increase students intellectual confidence and set them on a course for sustained academic improvement and success.
Our qualified teachers have a wealth of experience and are supported by enthusiastic volunteers who provide endless encouragement and support, ensuring that each student gets the attention they deserve.
The program focuses on literacy, guided study sessions, access to Information Technology (IT), scholarships to assist current YMCA students with the cost of education and a remeadial Summer Program.
Literacy is the key for children’s life-long learning. It is essential for development in all curriculum areas and for future active participation in work, family and our community.
At the YMCA we believe we can overcome the literacy barriers that hold our young people back by providing access to books and computers, qualified teachers and mentors, remedial programs and a welcoming environment for students to read and learn.
AT the YMCA we provide a range of books, magazines and age appropriate reading material that encourages children to read for enjoyment as well as education. We want our children to be excited about reading!
The Computer Assisted Literacy program is an exciting addition to the YMCA in partnership with RESTORE Belize. It allows students to work at their own level within a class setting. Everystudent’s progress is monitored so that individual weaknesses can be identified and addressed. In a short time, we have seen promising results from students using the program regularly. Our vision is to make this program accessible for more children by acquiring new computers and opening our computer lab for use during the day.
The YMCA Guided Study Centre runs for the entire school year, providing students with a safe and nurturing environment to continue learning and socializing after school.
The Study Centre offers remedial reading and mathematics, computer assisted literacy, study sessions and homework support. Qualified teachers assist with assignments, help students prepare for tests, consolidate concepts learned in the classroom and teach research, study and problem solving skills. Teachers also guide students in goal setting and monitor student’s performance on quizzes, tests and projects throughout the year to help them stay on track to achieve their goals.
Alongside the core academic programs we simply provide a safe and supportive learning environment, including a nutritious daily snack through the YMCA Feeding Program and daily sports and games.
Information technology (IT) is central to the YMCA’s academic programs. Y students work towards attaining computer literacy at a level that allows them to work and study effectively, communicate via a variety of online mediums and prepares them for an increasingly IT driven world and workforce.
Y students have limited access to computers and the internet at school and in the home so the YMCA computer lab is a very popular resource that enables students to complete their homework and assignments to a high standard and improves their research and written communication skills. Students also have the opportunity to learn to use digital cameras and video recording equipment which provides an alternative creative outlet and unique skill set.
YMCA students enjoy a nutritious meal or snack at the YMCA each day that is prepared freshly on site and is packed full of essential nutrients, protein and energy to help them learn and grow. Students often come to the YMCA having skipped meals so this snack is crucial to help them to get the most out of afterschool activities such as homework and sport.
The Feeding Program began in 2005, feeding 25 Primary School students; the program now feeds approximately 100 Primary and Secondary School students daily as well as providing a family style birthday celebration each month, cultural celebrations and annual family Christmas dinner.
The YMCA runs a 4 week Summer Program in July for children from all over Belize City and surrounding communities. The program provides a diverse range of activities ranging from remedial math, English and computer assisted literacy to life skills, sports, music, field trips and spiritual development.
Please contact us to find out more.