Munro lauded for life skills programme

William Munro, better known for his involvement in promoting soca and calypso in the cultural sphere, was recently lauded for his involvement in a life skills and swimming programme in his community of San Juan/Laventille. The excitement was high among many young children in San Juan/Laventille when it was learnt that Munro would facilitate the programme titled Swimming to Success for children between the ages of seven and 12 years.

Ronald Nathan, a youth development consultant and resident in the community, developed in August 2011, a life skills programme which incorporated swimming techniques. Enthusiastic parents and their children were registered. The ten-week programme achieved remarkable results in life skills training and swimming.

Since the inception, the third cycle of this programme has been successfully completed. A graduation ceremony was held on July 21,  at which parents, Minister of Community Development Winston Peters and Port-of-Spain mayor Louis Lee Sing along with specially invited guests from the private sector were present.  

At the introductory level, 24 swimmers and 11 at the advanced level each received certificates and medals. The swimming instructors for cycle three were Naji Ferguson, Karen Araujo, Martin James and Kyle Cato-Matthews. The life skills instructors were Karen Bart Alexander and Glynis Brewster-Nathan. The instructors also saw the children demonstrate their acquired skills in the swimming exhibition and life skills presentations.

Lee Sing spoke directly to the children about key fundamental aspects necessary to their positive growth and development, and urged them to stay away from criminal activities. He also emphasised the need to become keenly involved in reading as it defines life.

Peters gave the feature address and applauded Munro for a community service. He spoke of the inspiration which ought to be gained by both parents and their children as a result of exposure to the life skills and programmes such as Swimming to Success. He also indicated that his ministry would play a key role in the advancement of this endeavor.

Peters and representatives of other ministries assisted in the distribution of proficiency certificates and medals. The fourth cycle of Swimming to Success is scheduled to commence on August 25.

The list of graduates of the Swimming to Success programme, Cycle 3Swimming to Success (Plus)

Water Guppies
1. Jordan  Lord
2. Janae  Johnson
3. Nathaniel Baptiste    
4. Elijah Baptiste
5. Nicolai Mitchell
6. Tyrese Haynes
7. Ricarda Reynold
8. Jahiem Reynold
9. Celiste Breanna Seales
10. Daniel Pierre
11. Ijah Boothman
12. Zalen Boothman
13. Josiah John
14. Khalis Aberdeen
15. Sade Primus
16. Shermaiah Thomas
17. Joshua Charles
18. Sherwin Lazarus
19. Ricardo Toppin

Piranhas
1. Shaquille Dansicar
2. Shane Thomas
3. Hezekiah Walker
4. Dominic Wilson
5. Troy Applewhite

Swimming to Success (Plus)
1. Antonie Niles   
2. Joshua Williams
3. Jewel Williams
4. Simieon Williams
5. Simon Williams
6. Jonathan Coward
7. Nalo Elie
8. Maleek Lewis
9. Angelo Elie
10. Arielle Lo Ten Foe
11. Alexandria Pollidore