Social Norms
Social norms action with informed and engaged societies
Social Norms
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
Time to read
less than
1 minute
Print
a- a+
Published 23 years ago
Last updated 1 year ago
Read so far

Junior Life Centre Programmes

0 comments
The service organisation SERVOL established the Junior Life Centre Programme in April, 1994 to assist early adolescents (aged 13 through 16) from disadvantaged homes who face specific educational challenges. Approximately 500 young people each year from Trinidad and Tobago who score the lowest marks on the Secondary Education Assessment exam (SEA) participate in this holistic educational project, which is supported by the Ministry of Education.
Communication Strategies

Young people unable to enter the secondary school system because of low scores on the SEA are helped to build self-esteem, to acquire coping skills, and to develop at least functional literacy. These interventions are designed to be respectful, encouraging participants to play an active role in the learning process.


As part of this project, facilitators are trained to address the specific educational needs of early adolescents. Teachers are sensitised to both the cognitive and emotional characteristics of this group of people.

Development Issues

Youth, Education.

Key Points

Young people in these countries who fail the Common Entrance exam have no alternative form of education available to them. This is particularly true of the students who receive poor results on the exam; they tend to come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds that leave them with little hope of obtaining any further education.


SERVOL is a service organisation engaged in educational and community-based efforts to help disadvantaged children and adolescents in Trinidad and Tobago. (Click here for a description of SERVOL).


To date, SERVOL has established 8 Junior Life Centres, which serve 500 or more students each year.

Partners

SERVOL, Ministry of Education. Government subsidies pay teachers' salaries.

Sources

SERVOL website.