News

Generating Genius sets out to find the scientists of the future

In July a group of 12-year-old-boys will spend a month studying medicine and research science at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica.

The lucky dozen will spend every summer for the next five years undertaking this rigorous (but fun) programme that fast tracks the boys until they are 18. The programme’s intake of students will also increase to 50 boys next year and 100 the following year.

“They’re going to be taught to become doctors and scientists,” says the brainchild behind the scheme, Dr Tony Sewell.

“The secret is enlisting the boys’ enthusiasm while they are young. We have some of the most naturally gifted children in the country and their potential is not being realised.”

Sewell believes that by identifying bright children when they are young and supporting them for more than three years, he has found a way of turning round the trend of underachievement.

Asked why he chose Jamaica: “In Jamaica they will see that every person in a position of authority looks like them. That fact alone is very important. Those boys will never be the same again and it’s all positive.”

During the course the boys will study various sciences and will work in some top laboratories in Kingston and undertake real experiments. The boys will return to Britain able to do demonstration lectures in medicine and research science.

When the boys come back from their summer residency they will be supported by a number of English universities.

A reciprocal scheme for talented youngsters from Jamaica to visit Britain will also run.

Jamaica National Building Society will be generously sponsoring the first year of the programme. In order to select the boys the Gleaner Voice Group will be hosting a national search for the best and the brightest to win one of the limited, all expenses paid awards.

If your son is in year seven of secondary school, scored level 5 for his SATS, shows a strong desire to be a doctor or research scientist and can take being away from home for one month for the next five years, then write off for an application form to:

The Voice, Generating Genius, Blue Star House, 234-244 Stockwell Road, London SW9 9UG or email: generatingdoctors@yahoo.co.uk. before April 20, 2005

Published: 29 March 2005
Issue: 1159