Central Village summer school keeps St. Catherine children learning and safe

A summer school based at Born Again Mystic Deliverance Ministry in Central Village, St. Catherine, has been supporting children for more than a decade, offering learning, guidance and a safe space during the holiday break.

At its centre is Crystal Smith, a teacher who once lived in the community and now travels from overseas each summer to serve the place that shaped her. The programme sits behind the church walls in an area long marked by social and economic pressure, and goes beyond textbooks to life skills and mentoring.

Smith recalled first seeing about 15 or 16 young people — some as young as six, others in their early teens or in high school — at choir rehearsal. Moved to help, she asked the church’s leader, Chief Apostle Suzette Green, for permission to mentor them. Green agreed.

In 2015 she launched the summer school and invited children of all ages to join. Former participants have since returned as volunteers and mentors, teaching youngsters who now follow a path much like their own.

One alumnus, who stayed with the programme through high school, completed studies at the Mico University College and now helps run sessions. The volunteer described “Auntie Crystal” as sociable and deeply committed to teaching and to children, and said pride comes from giving back to the same community.

Supporters say structured activity keeps students engaged and less likely to drift into idle time or gang involvement. Another former participant said summer school was new and welcome — something never tried until Smith started the initiative and they joined her.

Smith hopes eventually to establish her own school. For now, she says her measure of success is the change parents see in behaviour and schoolwork, and the teachers who once attended as children and still keep the work going.

“I just want the world of Jamaica to know that we're doing something real good here,” she said, adding that families notice the gains and that she is grateful former programme members continue as educators.