SocaFit class pupils with School Manager Stuart Johnson and Instructor Chai Riley.
DUTCH QUARTER--Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Primary School has added SocaFit classes as part of its weekly activities. A select group of fifteen pupils of Group 7 and Group 8 classes were chosen to participate in this special physical activity.
“SocaFit is a fun yet extremely educational programme that will ensure pupils are able to control their body and its movements. In line with St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation’s (SCDF’s) recent stance on the types of appropriate music during Carnival, the school felt it appropriate to start this new initiative,” said MLK Jr. Primary School Manager Stuart Johnson.
“I know both sides of the concern, having been the former SCDF President and now being the Principal of this school. We are finding a balance by trying to teach our children. There is no need for vulgarity, but instead they can display their natural rhythm, learn to control their body movements and learn choreography.”
The weekly classes are being instructed by Chai Riley, a well-known fitness instructor who gives classes at Belair Gym and I&I Gym, among many others. “I am having a wonderful time with the students, especially with their energy, and they are learning the routines quickly,” Riley said.
School management is looking forward for individuals or companies to endorse this programme, which they believe will prove to be a positive example for other children to join. “We need funding to keep this programme going, and special gym gear with T-shirts would surely be beneficial for the continuity of this initiative,” said Johnson.
“Daily we read blogs or hear commentary in various media outlets about what should or shouldn’t happen, especially about the youth, so now I’m calling on the community to support this activity for the betterment of our students.”
Persons who would like further information about the programme can contact the school at tel. 547-2441 or via e-mail at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the school’s Facebook Fan Page.
