During the past year Bel Air has been very active in improving the physical structure of the home and the lives of the children.
Building and operations
The exterior of the building was repainted, the multipurpose room was given a face lift with murals being done around the room. All the themes were ideas given by the children. The nursery was also repainted and the interior of the building decorated giving it a more warm and friendly environment. The library was also repainted and upgraded with five new computers. We are presently looking at putting new policies and operational structures in place to improve the overall functioning of the Home.
Volunteers
There were more student groups from St. George’s University and other individuals partnering with us to meet the educational and social needs of the children. For the first time, persons from the UK came to volunteer at the home. Reach Grenada introduced yoga sessions for the children and staff which has brought about positive changes in attitudes and behaviours at the Home. They now look forward to their yoga sessions weekly. Reach Grenada will also be implementing a Conscious Discipline programme soon which will help staff improve their skills to deal with discipline within the Home.
Sponsorship
A sponsorship programme initiated by our Friends of Bel Air in the U.K was implemented which attracted lots of interest from persons in the UK, Canada and the USA. The children enjoy receiving and writing letters to their sponsors. Presently there are twenty-three (23) children at the Home, three of them started high school in September.
Rewards system
A rewards system to assist with behaviour modification for our adolescent girls where they earn points for good behaviour and lose points for unacceptable behaviour was implemented. The points are tallied weekly and they are given the value in fake money, they can then use that money to buy items that are available or pay to go on trips. So far we are seeing positive changes in their behaviour. This initiative was started by our Peace Corps volunteers.
Transition Programme
Katie one of those volunteers is embarking on a transition programme which is expected to prepare the adolescent girls for life after Bel Air. The programme will provide them with life skills including shopping, preparing a meal and dining. The cooking and dining will take place at Katie’s home.
Fund Raising
The Christmas cards are doing fairly well and opportunities are being taken to sell them at functions. A fashion show is presently planned for early December. We hope to organize other fundraising functions in the New Year.
Appreciation
We express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Friends of Bel Air UK for all their efforts and support given to the Home which enabled us to complete many of the projects planned. Special thanks to all the sponsors of the children, your contributions are assisting with the educational needs of the children.
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