The community has rallied together to help Victor Scott Primary raise money for a programme for at-risk children after Government cut its budget.

More than a dozen people and businesses have offered to help finance the $60,000 programme which helps children with learning difficulties make gains before the next school year.

The programme is due to start on Monday.

Earlier this week, teachers said they had no idea how they were going to finance it and were looking to raise the money themselves.

The scheme helps 45 children between the ages of seven and 11, some of whom have emotional and behavioural problems.

A staff member said: "The outpouring of public support is incredible. We feel truly blessed that the public have felt as passionate as we do about our summer programme.

"People have been calling in and wanting to contribute whatever they are able to give to sponsor [the] children."

The school is still working to raise the full $60,000 but are confident they will be able to reach their goal by summer's end.

Victor Scott Primary has been affected by a spate of shootings in recent months. Teacher Nekesha Holdipp's husband George Lynch was shot near his Hamilton Parish home in May; Kimwandae Walker was gunned down on the school playing field as families flew kites on Good Friday; Perry Puckerin, who was murdered in January, has a daughter at the school.

The staff member said the programme was especially important because of the recent violence. She said it provides a structured environment where they can improve their grades and attitudes.

"Students at Victor Scott are amazing, energetic and resilient children," she said. "In spite of the violence some have been forced to experience either directly or vicariously at such a tender age we want them to be able to thrive and have a productive summer. We want them to have the same opportunities as other children have.

"We strongly want to provide our students with a safe, structured environment [with] academic as well as social support for the summer."

Many of the children would not be able to participate in a summer programme if theirs did not move forward, the staff member said.

Other staff members expressed great appreciation for the outpouring of support and calls since The Royal Gazette reported on the programme's plight earlier this week.

One said: "We as a group might strongly feel about something we are trying to do [but] when you hear and see the outcry from others it is very overwhelming that people really do want to do what is right for our children, like we do.

"Our hearts are there as well. It is just an incredible feeling."

Some people have offered to pay $30 a week to sponsor a child through the summer months; some companies have been able to donate large sums.

Many sponsors are "just average people" who perhaps understand the hardships of families in the area, said one teacher.

"They remember what it is like and perhaps understand about raising children, and how much it costs during the summer."

Coalition for the Protection of Children chairman Sheelagh Cooper urged Government to keep the programme running.

She said she was "thrilled" with the public support but added it should be Government's job to educate the Island's children.

"It is the Government's responsibility to educate our children particularly in an era where there is a great amount of discussion to improve the education system here. It is astounding that they would make a decision to save money by cutting this programme at this time."

To donate, or learn how you can support the summer programme, call Victor Scott Primary on 292-1787.