On Thursday April 19, the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards Club Programme hosted a forum discussing the topic: "Ways to create a student-oriented school environment", at Holy Childhood High School's lecture theatre.

The first of these forums, which was hosted by Holy Childhood High School, aims mainly to create an avenue for the voices of the student population of each school to be heard in order to create a better environment for both the students and members of staff.

The forum is geared at giving students the chance to be heard and to make an impact in their school environment. The first speaker, Danielle Stephenson, a grade 10 student at Holy Childhood High School, spoke on ways in which school administration can create a student-oriented school environment. She included in her speech that students should be involved in decision-making processes affecting the school and that students should try to be more involved in school activities.

On the part of the administration and staff, Danielle pointed out that they should ensure that students are knowledgeable about happenings of the school and its environment, they should listen to the students so their voices can be heard and provide necessary materials for the proper functionmng of students.

Her last point was focused on ways to achieve a better teacher student relationship, as this is vital for the enhancement of a better school environment.

The second speaker, Channae Reynolds, also in fourth form at the host school, discussed the point that students should get more involved in student-oriented co-curricular activities. Channae made valid points on how beneficial it would be for all students to participate in school activities which will aid in enhancing their learning capabilities.

Vernon Derby, The National Director of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Programme for region one expressed that these forums will be repeated across the island so that all, if not most of the voices of students would be heard. Also present at the forum was Jamaica Teachers Association President elect Ena Bartley, principal of Lyssons Primary School in St Thomas and Viris Clark Ellis, a representative of the Ministry of Education; and members of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Programme from Dunoon Technical High School and Pembrook Hall High School.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Programme presents to young people a balanced, non-competitive programme of voluntary activities, which encourages personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility to themselves and service to the community.

To obtain an award, participants must demonstrate achievement at the appropriate level in various activities in four sections - volunteering service, acquiring skills, physical recreation, or adventurous journey.

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