A behavioural intervention programme operating in three secondary schools is significantly improving students’ decision-making, self-esteem and ability to avoid trouble, according to a new evaluation, with more than nine in ten participants reporting better choices in their daily lives.
Project RESCUE is helping to reduce behavioural issues among high school students, with participants reporting significant improvements in decision-making, self-esteem and their ability to avoid trouble.
The findings emerged from a recent evaluation of Supreme Counselling for Personal Development’s (SCPD) Project RESCUE programme, which currently serves approximately 593 students from first form to fifth form at St George Secondary School, the Grantley Adams Memorial School and Princess Margaret Secondary School.
The survey, which involved 235 students from St George Secondary and Grantley Adams Memorial, found that 91.8 per cent of participants believed the programme helped them make better choices, while 87.9 per cent said they would recommend it to other students.
Students also reported positive changes in their daily lives, with 86.2 per cent saying they learned practical skills they could use outside the classroom.
SCPD founder and Chief Executive Officer Shawn Clarke said the results provided encouraging evidence that intervention programmes can play a critical role in helping young people navigate challenges they face both in school and in their personal lives.
He said: “When we invest in young people before they reach a crisis point, positive change is possible. These findings tell us that students are listening, learning and growing. They are telling us that they are becoming more confident, making better decisions and developing skills that can positively shape their futures.”
The programme was established to provide behavioural intervention, life skills development, mentoring, counselling support and personal development opportunities for students who may be facing various social, emotional and behavioural challenges.
At a time when concerns continue to be raised about youth violence, bullying, behavioural problems and emotional wellbeing among young people, the findings suggest that many students are responding positively to the support being offered.
According to the evaluation, nearly eight out of every ten participants reported feeling better about themselves after taking part in the programme, while 78.5 per cent said it made them more likely to stay out of trouble.
One of the strongest findings centred on the environment created during programme sessions. More than 84 per cent of students reported feeling safe and respected while participating, an outcome Clarke described as essential to meaningful engagement.
The survey also highlighted progress in emotional regulation and conflict management, areas often linked to behavioural challenges in schools. More than 61 per cent of participants reported improvements in their ability to manage anger and emotions.
While welcoming the positive feedback, Clarke stressed that the results also demonstrate the importance of continued investment in programmes aimed at prevention and early intervention.
“Our young people need guidance, support, positive role models and opportunities to develop the emotional and social skills necessary for success.”
He added that addressing challenges facing students requires more than disciplinary measures.
“Every young person who learns to make a better decision, manage conflict peacefully or believe in themselves represents a victory not only for that student, but for our schools, families and communities.”
Project RESCUE forms part of SCPD’s broader youth development and violence prevention efforts. For more than 15 years, the organisation has worked with schools, families and community partners to support behavioural change and personal development among young people.
Although Princess Margaret Secondary School is one of the schools served by the programme, students there were not included in the latest survey because of scheduling and time constraints. Fifth form students across participating schools were also not surveyed as they were on study leave during the reporting period.
The feedback sends a strong message about the value of prevention-focused programmes in the search for solutions to challenges affecting youth, according to the organisation.
Clarke said: “The message emerging from students participating in Project RESCUE is both clear and inspiring: support matters, intervention works and positive change is possible when young people are given the opportunity to succeed.”
(LE)
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