Combating illiteracy: Learning centre seeks to change lives through education

Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer

IRISH TOWN, St Andrew: ACTIVITIES AT the MRI Learning Centre in Irish Town, rural St Andrew, have nothing to do with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), that high-tech diagnostic medical imaging technique used in radiology.

Still, the work undertaken there could be considered life changing, given its long-term overall objectives.

Established in May 2009, the Middleton/Redlight/Irish Town (MRI) Learning Centre is the evolution of a plan for social empowerment that started in the mind of Constable Mark Tomlinson many years ago. Fittingly located on the grounds of Irish Town Police Station, the centre serves residents well beyond the confines of the three communities after which it is named.

Conquer illiteracy

The centre's mission is to confront and conquer illiteracy through the use of creative and effective tools, technologies, methods and programmes. The literacy programme involves one-on-one assistance as well as structured lessons throughout the week. In addition to taking advantage of computer programmes, students are allowed access to a library of diverse reading material under the guidance of caring staff who promote not just reading, but also the enjoyment of reading.

Equipped with computers, courtesy of the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ), which also provided funding for teaching assistants and a centre manager, along with complimentary Internet service, courtesy of telecommunications company LIME, the centre is open from noon until 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., basic-school students get help with homework and reading, while pre-GSAT students are schooled in math, English and homework assistance.

During this period, adults are also taught to read and given basic computer lessons, leading to knowledge of information technology. It is by design that all lessons are taught on the computer.

The computer literacy programme seeks to prepare youth and adults to use computers and the Internet effectively in advancing themselves academically, professionally and beyond.

Social Interaction

It was obvious during a recent visit by The Gleaner that in addition to achieving its stated objectives, the centre is also facilitating social interaction and bonding, as in the case of Derlene Russell and her 13-year-old daughter Vishelle Sterling. While the St Hugh's first-former welcomes the opportunity for assistance with her schoolwork, her mother's growing knowledge of computer programmes is providing a common meeting ground.

"I am here to upgrade my computer skills so I can get a job," the unemployed mother shares. Admitting to knowing "just a little" about computers when she started in February, Russell is now competent in Excel and other computer programmes, and regularly surfs the Internet doing research on different topics, including geography, and still finds time to play a few games.

Living at Coldspring (near to the Newcastle military training camp), which she described as "a good little distance" of about five miles farther up, without the centre Russell would need to go into Kingston to access similar training at greater expense. So, she is grateful for the cost and time savings, as well as the bonus of learning alongside her teenage daughter.

"I am accessing the Internet," 29-year-old Lavern Whyte proudly shares. "I would like to pursue a job with the computer in the future," she further explains. Living in Irish Town, she is employed part-time as a household helper, but is using her spare time to good effect, confident in the quest to improve herself.

With the grant funding provided by the EFJ for staff payment soon to be exhausted, the citizens' association has been proactive in moving to generate income to cover this as well as utility bills. In addition to the measly fees it charges for services, it also offers a range of business services such as document preparation, printing of brochures, business cards and flyers.

christopher.serju@gleanerjm.com

If you are interested in signing up for classes or doing business with the MRI Learning Centre you may call 944-8560 or 435-7694 or by email at mrilearningcentre@gmail.com