JIS: The Student Motivational and Empowerment Programme, aimed at inspiring students to achieve their full potential and contribute to national development, was launched on Thursday (November 2) at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston.
An initiative of the Kingston and St. Andrew Development and Homecoming Foundation, the programme seeks to motivate and empower high-school students in pursuing peace, excellence, discipline, ethical conduct, responsible leadership and developing a commitment to the principles and responsibilities of becoming good and productive citizens of Jamaica.
It is supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.
The inaugural staging of the programme, from November 6 to 10, will involve a week-long series of activities, including special visits to schools, motivational talks, an open day, youth rally and concert and alumnae events as well as teacher recognition and awards.
Some 40 outstanding citizens will share personal motivational stories and engage students in discussion on issues of leadership and career development, among others.
Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, in his remarks at the launch, lauded the initiative and urged students to incorporate the values of love and respect in their daily life.
He said the programme aims to give students the opportunity to engage with outstanding citizens, who have achieved in their chosen field and are making invaluable contributions to Jamaica’s development.
“So, part of this engagement is to motivate our students to realise their own potential for social responsibility… . We have every confidence that your generation, this generation, can, in fact, surpass the accomplishments of those who went before you,” he said.
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, in remarks read by Director of the Kingston and St. Andrew Development and Homecoming Foundation, Morin Seymour, said all students should be empowered to become productive members of society.
“My young people, I charge you to stay motivated. and when you feel like you are running low, find the mentors, the person that will remind you to keep going or simply encourage you to let you know that you should go for it,” he said.
e urged teachers, parents and guardians to guide the youth to unleash their talents and to motivate them.
Chairman, Kingston and St. Andrew Development and Homecoming Foundation, Steadman Fuller, in a message read by Custos of St. Andrew, Dr. Patricia Dunwell, called for more role models and mentors for young people.
Established in 2016, the Kingston and St. Andrew Development and Homecoming Foundation is charged with mobilising and channelling resources to help improve the quality of life of citizens in the Corporate Area.
The members are Chairman, Hon. Steadman Fuller; Dr. Patricia Dunwell; Donna Parchment Brown; Jean Lowrie-Chin; Morin Seymour; Robert Hill and Joylene Griffiths Irving.
CAPTION: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (left) conversing with President, Jamaica Student Council Association, Antonette Dennis (centre); and Custos of St. Andrew and Co-Chair, Kingston and St. Andrew Development and Homecoming Foundation, Patricia Dunwell. Occasion was the official launch of the Student Motivational and Empowerment Programme at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston on November 2.