Our Kids Academy to benefit 24 youngsters – NIA

The National Integrity Action (NIA) and Our Kids Academy have partnered to give 24 boys from some of St James’s most challenged communities opportunities in football development and behaviour modification over the next six months.

The initiative, called the Get Up Sports Programme, was launched at the Vistaprint Complex recently, where the 24 selected boys were outfitted with gears and equipment provided by the Our Kids Academy and sponsors of the programme which include NIA, Western Sports, Island Routes, ItelBpo, Deja Hotel, Jamaica Tours Limited and Team Storm Fitness.

The boys, who are aged eight to twelve years old, hail from Canterbury, Flankers, Salem, Tower Hill, Myall, Catherine Hall, Rose Heights, and Glendevon.

NIA officer Gavin Myers explained how his organisation became involved with the project.

“The project is a clear example of crime prevention and integrity building in action. NIA recognised that change is not instant nor by chance but through diligent work. This project has all the hallmarks,” Myers said.

behaviour analysis

Head of Our Kids Academy Hanif Comrie said that they have developed a behaviour-analysis programme centered on three key areas: home, school, and at Our Kids Academy.

This will be used to determine changes in the attitude of the participants and help to drive improved behaviour in the boys not just on the field but in all areas of their lives.

“Data will be collected from three focus areas, home. School and Our Kids Academy Ja. The ratings system will be a continuous ticker system displayed on our website…related to each child in the group,” Comrie revealed.

An important part of the programme is the direct involvement of the parents of the boys. Without parent involvement every step of the way, the boys are not allowed in, which ensures that behavioural issues, especially, are attended to on a daily basis.

At the end of the six-month-period, the NIA will be presented with a final comprehensive report and recommendations for the transition of the players into selected systems locally and internationally.