Feb. 8, 2008 — The tables were turned at a parenting workshop Thursday with students giving instruction and teaching parents the skills they have learned in school. Ten students from St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) gave the presentations. Hosting the workshop was the St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center's (CTEC) Guidance Division.
Thirty-eight parents attended the sixth annual Parents as Partners and Youth Violence workshop held in the Great Hall at the University of the Virgin Islands.
The girls were dressed neatly in their school uniforms of pleated, blue plaid skirts and white blouses. The boys also looked neat dressed in khakis and white shirts. The hall was set up with tables holding displays and equipment the students use in school.
The students explained to parents what they did during a typical day at school. The students played the role of teachers –giving instructions and presentations to the parents. The students selected and awarded prizes to the parents who they believed performed their newly acquired skills properly.
Abigal Antoine and Danice Moadelle talked about what they do in their childcare class. They told the parents about the stages of growth and development from babies into adolescence. They displayed and talked about healthy snacks for children.
Skillfully showing how to de-bone a chicken was Jeremy Donawa from the culinary arts class.
Arshala Laurent and Elizabeth Jarvis, students in the certified nursing assistant classes, instructed parents on how to use a blood pressure cuff and take readings. They gave a presentation on hypertension and how to lower blood pressure by eating a sensible diet. Both of the girls said they would like to become neonatal nurses. "The classes at school are very serious and educational," Jarvis said. "The headaches at night are worth it."
Students from the welding class were Jahraun Broadhurst, Ismael Navarro Jr., Kenneth Michael and Kadeem Liburd. Since they couldn't bring in arc welders they displayed mirrors with gold painted, curved wrought iron frames they had made. They also showed coal pots, used for cooking, and described the welding process they used to make them. The boys will be selling the products at the St. Croix Agricultural Fair next weekend.
A panel discussion on children's issues was held with experts from local agencies and organizations participating.
Ethereo Akinshegun, psychologist at Queen Louise Home, discussed youth and violence and how to spot problems and deal with them effectively. He delved into the spiritual aspect of how parents can demonstrate love and show children they are loved.
V.I. Police Officer Charles Nibbs spoke about anger in children and what may cause it. He said many of the kids he talks to are resentful, jealous and frustrated. He said they feel neglected and not taken care of emotionally and missing parental love.
Those are some of the reasons kids join gangs, where they feel like they get what they need, said Nibbs.
Conflict Resolution Organization for Peace (CROP) founder Annette Jacobs told parents about working with young children on how to resolve problems before bad habits are set.
Xawntoia A. Franklin, the program coordinator of the Strength Project (SP) of the V.I. Partners in Recovery, talked about the project and what it offers. She talked about the value of love, setting limits, supporting goals and dreams, building positive relationships, using appropriate penalties and learning listening skills.
Dr. Vanessa Berrios from Puerto Rico gave the keynote address on anger and violence. "Everything starts from home," Berrios told parents. "There is a lot of violence going on, but there are a lot of good things going on with kids too."
Berrios urged parents to monitor kids and be aware of what they do in their daily lives.
In the past as many as 80 parents have come to the workshop, said Carolyn McKenzie, chairman of the CTEC's parent advisory committee. "I'm still pleased with the turnout, including all the guardsmen that came," McKenzie said. "I'm thankful the VI National Guard really helped pull us out of the fire with their sponsorship."
Additional funding was provided by V.I. Parents Uniting School and Home, CTEC administration and the US Army.
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