The 3MD Programme was conceived in 2018 by Project Managers, Partners That Care International (PTCI) in collaboration with local partners as a response to the increased deviant behaviour and violence among youth of secondary school age in Barbados. The programme design addresses indiscipline, behaviours that lead to violence and the vulnerabilities that expose some students to predators. It adopted music as the tool to work with participants. It provided a meaningful and viable alternative to several students in dealing with the challenges they face. It does not only provide musical training but teaches life skills to the participants equipping them to become productive citizens.
The initiative was a response to a call from several prominent Caribbean persons, for action to stem the tide of bad behaviour and deviance among adolescents. The two-year pilot programme which targeted students of secondary school age, sought to bridge the gap between academic learning and the behaviour modification needs that exists. It provides a safe place where students can enhance their interpersonal relationships and behavioural skills, achieve recognized academic musical qualifications, and develop their musicianship from an all rounded perspective.
Over the lifespan of the initial programme, the progress of the students became even more evident during the final term (March – July 2021). PTCI counsellors continued to interact with the students and were able to sit in on band practice without a major disturbance occurring. The aggression and restlessness were down to a minimum and order was now being maintained within group activities even when tutors stepped away. An increased level of self-control when dealing with challenging situations, peer-to-peer counsel, encouragement, and support also continued during this term. Students would ‘jack up’ each other when behaviour was out of place and praised each other’s successes.
The programme culminated at Hilton Hotel and Beach Resort with an awesome graduation ceremony for the fifteen (15) students who completed the two (2) years. Partners That Care International (PTCI) will continue to work with students across our national community using this novel approach to behaviour modification.
