JIS: Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean, says the Ministry remains committed to resolving issues within the sector.

 

She notes that matters arising in 2019, such as those related to the Primary Exit Profile (PEP), have been identified and are being addressed through remedial interventions and other initiatives.

 

This, Dr. McLean adds, in an effort to facilitate the seamless development of the education system and citizenry.

 

“I, therefore, take this opportunity to assure the wider Jamaica and the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA), that the Ministry is committed to continuous service, support and consolation, as we ensure that whatever we are doing, it is in the best interest of our children,” she added.

 

Dr. McLean was speaking at a service at Mount Ward Methodist Church in Ramble, Hanover, on Sunday, May 5, to mark the start of the JTA’s observance of ‘Education Week 2019’, from May 5 to 9.

She also lauded the JTA for implementing various education initiatives to support students’ cognitive development.

 

“I urge you to continue being beacons of hope for our children, even as we grapple with our personal and institutional challenges. Our aim at the Ministry is to mobilize support for our educators, to ensure that we continue to meet the educational needs of future generations,” Dr. McLean said.

 

She added that teachers along with parents and church leaders are among the first channels through which knowledge is introduced to children.

“So even as we recognize the efforts being promoted, teaching as a valuable profession must be in the collective effort of all stakeholders in education,” Dr. McLean further said.

 

CAPTION: Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MOEYI), Dr. Grace McLean, at a service at Mt. Ward Methodist Church in Ramble, Hanover, on Sunday, May 5, to mark the start to the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) ‘Education Week 2019’.

 

JIS: Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison, is urging heightened vigilance by parents and community members in protecting the nation’s children from harm, in light of recent attacks and mishaps involving several youngsters.

 

Speaking at the Office of the Children’s Advocate’s (OCA) first quarterly press briefing at the agency’s offices in downtown Kingston on May 3, Mrs. Gordon Harrison, said the mishaps against children have not “gone unnoticed” by the entity.

 

She contended, however, that while the OCA’s officers are doing their part to provide support, communities can do more.

 

“We use these incidents to urge that immediate and important steps be taken to protect our children. It is not just parents and guardians who must assist with protecting children… we need all communities and school families,” the Children’s Advocate emphasised.

 

Mrs. Gordon Harrison noted that the school community can play a vital role in safeguarding children, as they know what is usual and unusual about youngsters who they interact with daily, while stressing that “everybody needs to get involved”.

 

She said data collated by the OCA show that most attacks on children are committed by persons known to them and with who, in some cases, they have close relations.

 

“We need to be looking at the systems of protection and supervision that we create for our children, as parents, and we need to, as community members, speak out when we see something that looks wrong. If we see children walking to and from school alone, we need to ensure that they are walking in groups,” she said.

 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Gordon Harrison highlighted children’s vulnerability when travelling alone on public transportation to school.

 

In this regard, she proposed the creation of incentives for taxi and bus operators to provide special arrangements for the youngsters.

 

Mrs. Gordon Harrison also said retired and unemployed persons could give consideration to becoming safety wardens for children who have to walk the streets, often unaccompanied, particularly in their communities.

 

She advised that the OCA is, as part of its mandate, providing counselling and legal representation to families islandwide, to ensure the rights and welfare of children are preserved.

 

Under the Child Care and Protection Act 2004, the OCA is authorised to take all reasonable steps to protect and enforce the rights of children in Jamaica.

 

CAPTION: Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison (right), addressing the Office of the Children’s Advocate’s (OCA) first quarterly press briefing on May 3, at the agency’s offices in downtown Kingston.

JIS: Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison, is urging young people, especially girls, to beware of potential dangers they can be exposed to on social media.

 

“Recognise that a lot of what is happening out there is falsehood… [and can lead to you to getting] in with the wrong crowd,” she cautioned, citing human trafficking as an example.

 

She was speaking at a Social Change Luncheon hosted under the ‘We Inspire Girls to be Strong Women’ initiative at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston on May 2.

Mrs. Gordon Harrison said a recent assessment of the typical human trafficking victim in Jamaica points to girls, aged 13 to 17, with serious self-esteem issues.

 

She said they tend to “listen to anybody and do anything to get some attention, and buy into the garbage that human traffickers are feeding that target population”.

 

This, the Children’s Advocate further stated, sets them up as prime prey for the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

 

She, therefore, encouraged young people to stay focused and not be distracted by the social media “hype”.

Mrs. Gordon Harrison also cautioned them to be careful how they present themselves on social media, noting that Human Resource interests scout the platform to view the profiles of prospective employees.

 

In the meantime, the Children’s Advocate is encouraging girls to trust their instincts if they feel uncomfortable with certain situations, particularly instances of abuse.

 

“Abuse is real! It can derail your life in a very real and significant way and you need to learn to trust your instincts. It doesn’t matter who it is; if it feels wrong, chances are it is wrong. The abuser, typically, is somebody who knows you very well and who you trust and who is close to you… so listen to those instincts,” she said.

 

Additionally, Mrs. Gordon Harrison encouraged young girls to aspire to become leaders and agents of change as, ultimately, “you will be the movers and shakers of tomorrow”.

 

Conceptualizer of the initiative, Cortia Bingham, said the movement seeks to influence the next generation of women to become innovators and creative, critical thinkers who can influence positive changes in the society.

 

“One of the main things that we wanted to achieve with We Inspire Girls to be Strong Women, is to create more women who are thought leaders who [can] bring bright ideas that can really push Jamaica forward,” she said.

 

During the luncheon, girls from five high schools presented their social change initiatives which they believe will positively impact their communities or schools. These were assessed by a panel of judges.

 

Eddie-Ann Gordon, a Grade 10 student from Vere Technical High School, emerged the winner with her initiative focusing on reducing cyber bullying.

 

She was awarded a $50,000 scholarship by Foska Oats; one-year mentorship; lunch vouchers for one school term and furniture from Courts Jamaica; a paid internship from Chas E Ramson, and sponsors’ products valued $100,000.

 

Second-place went to Roshelle Pinnock of B.B. Coke High, whose initiative focused on proper dining etiquette.

 

Markiesh Francis of Westwood High; Kerrisha Francis of Dinthill High; and Janeil Stephens of St. Catherine High also made impactful presentations.

 

Since 2017, the We Inspire team, through a high school tour, has been to more than 50 secondary schools islandwide, directly engaging more than 10,000 girls to think critically, dream big and create a life based on principles and values.

 

CAPTION ONE: Conceptualiser of the ‘We Inspire Girls to be Strong Women’ initiative, Cortia Bingham (left); and Foska Oats Brand Manager, Marsha Lee Stewart (right), present Eddie-Ann Gordon of Vere Technical High School with a scholarship valued $50,000. The presentation was made during a Social Change Luncheon hosted under the initiative at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston on May 2.

CAPTION TWO: Conceptualiser of the ‘We Inspire Girls to be Strong Women’ initiative, Cortia Bingham (centre), with Vere Technical High School student, Eddie-Ann Gordon (left), and Guidance Counsellor at the institution, Owen Rodney. The occasion was a Social Change Luncheon hosted under the initiative at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston on May 2. During the event, girls from five high schools made presentations on social change initiatives they developed, which were assessed by a panel of judges. Miss Gordon, who presented on cyber bullying, emerged the winner and received several prizes including a scholarship valued $50,000.

 

 

JIS: The Government is redoubling its effort to ensure the nation’s workforce is equipped with technical and vocational skills to better meet the needs of the society.

 

This is according to Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean, who said this is being achieved by “mainstreaming” Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into the curricula, beginning at the early-childhood stage.

 

“It’s not an add-on; it’s not just something else you do. We understand that we cannot go forward as a people and really achieve the development that we need unless we ensure that our students, our people… have the relevant skills,” she said in a speech read by Acting Chief Education Officer, Winnie Berry.

 

The speech was delivered at the press launch for the Fourth International Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Caribbean, held at the Regional Headquarters of the University of the West Indies, Mona, on Tuesday (April 30).

 

Dr. McLean stressed that TVET is of greater importance now more than ever, “as we begin to venture into an era of increased industrialisation and interconnectedness”, adding that as a sector, TVET has been recognised as a critical area that will be a key driver in the improvement of the productive sector.

 

As such, she noted that the Ministry has continuously pushed for a greater commitment to the administration of TVET across both the secondary and tertiary education systems, and has been encouraging persons to participate in the building of the nation through new advancements in infrastructure, technology and communication.

 

“The Ministry has also been undertaking a TVET Integration Model, facilitated by our TVET Rationalisation project, which seeks to engage students from the secondary-school level in the skills, knowledge, attitudes, habits and values that are in demand in the society, and which, consequently, will contribute to the nation’s productivity goals,” she said.

 

The Integration Model being used by the Ministry in schools introduces young children to the concepts of TVET from the early-childhood level, and continues to build on this initiation through processes of induction, orientation, and exploration and specialisation right throughout the public education system

 

Dr. McLean noted that since the introduction of this programme, the Ministry has sought to provide support to a number of schools, through the provision of financial aid as well as supplying equipment and tools to schools seeking to increase the student uptake of TVET. In addition, labs have been outfitted and tools and other materials have been provided to facilitate the integration of TVET in schools.

 

She said that the HEART Trust/NTA has had an indelible effect on the direction and recognition of TVET and technical skills in Jamaica, and continues to collaborate with the Ministry to enhance the delivery of TVET, specifically at the secondary level.

 

“I am grateful to partners such as the School of Education, UNESCO, the Ministry of Tourism, other education institutions and partners for working with the Ministry to achieve its targets in integrating TVET across all levels,” she added.

 

The conference, themed, ‘Towards the 21st Century Economy: Principles, Strategies and Work Practice’, will be held from May 22 to 24 at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, St. James.

 

The conference has attracted over 60 papers and 25 specially invited speakers from various countries. It will offer opportunities to stakeholders at all levels throughout the region to interact with international interests in identifying and exploring global principles, and to highlight strategies in the search for best practices that will benefit the region.

 

Special emphasis will be placed on repositioning TVET as a vehicle for the digital economy, TVET contributing to gross domestic product (GDP), TVET in entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, and treating with qualifications by examining the National/Regional Qualifications Framework.

 

The conference is being organised by UWI, in partnership with the Education Ministry, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, Caribbean Maritime University, GraceKennedy Group and Sutherland.

 

It will receive sponsorship from Halston Limited, Port Authority of Jamaica, and the Caribbean Development Bank.

 

CAPTION: Acting Chief Education Officer, Winnie Berry, delivers a speech on behalf of Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean, at the press launch for the Fourth International Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Caribbean, held at the Regional Headquarters of the University of the West Indies, Mona, on Tuesday (April 30).

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Education Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, yesterday signed the regional Caribbean safe school initiative in Kingstown, St Vincent. Minister Terrelonge participated in the two day 2nd Caribbean Safe School Ministerial forum.

 

Minister Terrelonge expressed “Today I had the honour of signing the Caribbean Safe School Initiative as contained in the Antigua & Barbuda Declaration of 2017, on behalf of Jamaica. 

The declaration prioritizes school safety in the Caribbean, and in so doing, Jamaica reaffirms our commitment to disaster risk management in the education sector & the right to quality and inclusive education for all our children. 

 

It is an honour to represent my country at the 2nd Caribbean Safe School Ministerial Forum in St Vincent. Given the frequency and ferocity of natural disasters in the region occasioned by climate change, it is imperative that we examine our disaster risk reduction as a region, and that we also focus on building resilience & devising policy to secure our schools against the myriad of geophysical hazards including earthquakes and hurricanes, and lessen the psycho social effects of natural disasters on students and staff.”

 

The Initiative seeks to motivate and support Governments to develop national strategies and implement school safety, building upon the Comprehensive School Safety Framework and defining a safe school as one that combines all of the following elements, defined as its three core pillars, which should be addressed by education policies and plans, and aligned with disaster management at national, regional, district, and local school site levels: ? Safe Learning Facilities (disaster-resilient infrastructure); ? School Disaster Management; ? Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Education.

 

The conference was hosted by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in partnership with CDEMA, OECS Commission, UNICEF, UNISDR, UNESCO, CDB and IsraAID.

 

CAPTION: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education Youth and Information, Alando Terrelonge, signing the regional Caribbean safe school initiative in Kingstown, St Vincent. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JIS: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, says come September when the 2019/20 academic year begins, all reports of corporal punishment being administered in schools “will be treated very seriously”.

 

Mr. Terrelonge, who reiterated the Government’s prohibition policy on corporal punishment, emphasised that this method of discipline “is not the solution for a society that is already steeped in violence”.

 

“Corporal punishment must end. We have indicated that we do not wish for our children to receive corporal punishment in schools… yet there are some teachers and some administrators who are still beating our children. I am asking every single one of you to stop,” the State Minister further stressed.

He was addressing social workers at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) Field Services Conference at the Iberostar Rose Hall Hotel in Montego Bay, St. James, on April 16.

 

Mr. Terrelonge argued that administering discipline, such as corporal punishment, which demoralises and dehumanises, will not improve the behavioural challenges identified but, rather, will make it more difficult for the children to function in society.

 

He suggested that intense counselling and discipline, tailored to correct, guide, and alter youngsters’ mindset, are alternatives that can and should be explored.

 

“We want to ensure that our children are disciplined… but that their very human rights are also respected. So you have that task, as well, to look out for all these incidents and report them, so that they can be dealt with,” he added.

 

Mr. Terrelonge assured that Government will continue strengthening the law to ensure that the persons abusing children are decisively dealt with.

 

CAPTION: State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge (second right), shares pleasantries with (from left) Business Consultant and Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Marcus Mottley; Chief Executive Officer, Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Rosalee Gage-Grey; and Director, Alternative Care Services at the CPFSA, Eunice Scott-Shaw, during the entity’s Field Services Conference at Iberostar Rose Hall Hotel in Montego Bay, St James, on April 

JIS: State Minister for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, has charged educators to help boys realise their full potential by challenging existing norms and stereotypes with respect to constructs of toxic masculinity.

 

Mr. Terrelonge said that social and cultural factors have had negative implications on the learning outcomes of the nation’s boys.

 

He said that educators need to pay keen attention to those issues in an effort to “rescue our boys”.

 

“Sometimes, we throw our boys under the bus and say, ‘boy dem bad or dem give too much trouble’, whilst not recognising the cultural environment in which we live, which places a premium, unfortunately, on toxic masculinity.

 

This affects how our boys behave in the classrooms, in the homes and in the communities. I want all our educators to pay careful attention to this, Mr. Terrelonge said.

 

“Sometimes, the boy giving trouble at the back of the class could be the brightest boy in the class, but because of the social pressures he comes under – if you talk English too good, you’re a girl; if yuh nuh give nuh trouble, you’re a girl – it is that sort of toxic masculinity [that] somehow affects how our boys learn within the classroom and how they grow up and how they behave within their society,” he continued.

 

He noted that educators are well placed to provide guidance in the learning outcomes of the nation’s boys.

“As teachers… you are their mothers, you are their fathers, you are their guardians, you are their councilors… and so pay special attention to our boys. Sometimes they just need the reassurance.

 

“[Let them know] that it’s okay to learn, it’s okay to be yourself, it’s okay to excel. Let no one take that away from you. Perhaps that’s how we can connect more with our young men, by allowing them to be themselves and not pressuring them that the toxic masculinity is the way forward,” he emphasised.

 

Mr. Terrelonge was speaking at the Jamaica Teaching Council’s (JTC) education awards ceremony held at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, Sam Sharpe Square, St. James, on Tuesday (April 23).

The Education State Minister saluted the awardees for their “sterling service to education, and dedication that will enable many boys and girls to excel in various fields of study and profession in years to come”.

 

A total of 48 individuals and six institutions based in St. James were awarded for excellence in education.

 

Among the individual awardees are Director, Region Four, Dr. Michelle Pinnock and Education Officer, Patricia Mumby-Lalor.

 

CAPTION ONE: State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge (left) presents Education Officer for Region four, Patricia Mumby-Lalor, with the individual award for Excellent Service in Education at the Jamaica Teaching Council’s education awards ceremony held at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre on Tuesday, April 23.

 

CAPTION TWO: State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge (left) presents Principal of the John Rollins Success Primary School in St. James, Yvonne Miller-Wisdom (second left), with the Jamaica Teaching Council’s Institutional Award for Excellent Service to Education at an awards ceremony held at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, Sam Sharpe Square, on Tuesday, April 23. Sharing in the moment are grade -six student of the Institution, Oetivia Smalling; and grade-one teacher, Dania Brown.

 

JIS: Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean, says Government will continue instituting policy changes aimed at tackling gender disparity within the education sector.

 

“Certainly, there have been specific efforts to focus attention on gender disparities in education. There is an emerging need to reflect and focus in a proactive manner on transforming attitudes, beliefs and behaviour patterns with respect to gender,” she said.

 

Dr. McLean further indicated that over the years, the Ministry, through the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) and Commonwealth Secretariat, “has done significant work as it relates to highlighting the differences between boys and girls, and really what we need to do to ensure that we focus and support both areas”.

 

She was speaking at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) 18th annual education conference on ‘Gender and the Teaching Profession: Implications for Teaching and Learning’ on Tuesday (April 23) at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort in St. James.

Meanwhile, Dr. McLean said the Ministry will do more to address the continued underperformance of boys academically, with data garnered from research conducted by local gender and development specialists in academia.

 

“Our data show that our girls continue to outperform our boys. Data also show, however, that when our boys are gainfully engaged in activities, they become intimately involved in doing practical activities [and] then the results are far much better,” she noted.

 

Dr. McLean contended, however, that based on the extent of research conducted, “we are now at a place where we can seriously look at gender with the data available and [make] decisions as to how we can ensure equal opportunities for all our children… as we prepare them for life”.

 

She added that the Government intends to utilise recommendations developed during the JTA conference to improve on its policies and programmes.

 

“Let me extend congratulations to the Jamaica Teachers’ Association for, once again, coming up with an area that, as educators, we need to look at. I am looking forward to the decisions that will be made, or will be suggested, where the Ministry of Education Youth and Information can take these, reflect on our policies and make changes to, as it would be necessary for us to be able to continue to impact the lives of our children,” Dr. McLean added.

 

She further stated that the Ministry, through the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC), the National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL), and its regional network will continue to work to ensure that the nation’s children are receiving the requisite support.

 

“Our mission is to encourage and help educators to continue to explore innovative teaching approaches that will result in making all our boys and our girls productive citizens, and providing for themselves and their families,” she said.

 

CAPTION ONE: Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean (right), along with (from left) Assistant Secretary General in charge of Professional Services at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), Dr Margaret Chin; JTA Past President, Nadine Molloy; Head of Business Banking at JN Bank, Ryan Parkes; Senior Lecturer and Head of the institute of Gender and Development Studies, University of West Indies, Mona, Dr. Lieth Dunn; and Deputy Secretary General in charge of Administration, Human Resource and Finance at the JTA, Dr. Charmaine Gooden Monteith, at the 55th staging of the JTA’s Education Conference at the Hilton Rose Hall, Resort and Spa, Montego Bay on April 23.

 

CAPTION TWO: Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean, speaking at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Education Conference at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, Montego Bay on April 23.

JIS: The new $51-million structure, built to replace the Campbell’s Castle Primary School in Manchester, is being welcomed by students, teachers and the wider school community.

 

The two-storey building comprises four classrooms, a computer laboratory, principal’s office, staff room, bathrooms, a storeroom, and other facilities to serve the small student population.

 

Prefect at the school, Javelle Hewitt, told JIS News that the “dream of a new school has come true”.

 

He said that students are comfortable with the improved environment. “Every teacher and student is very pleased,” Javelle said, adding that with the fencing of the compound, the school no longer has to contend with stray animals.

 

Another student, Rihanna Mullings, said the school “feels better and there are new classrooms, new furniture, and more space to play”.

 

She expressed gratitude to all those who made the project a reality.

 

Principal of the institution, Petagaye Campbell, noted that “this project has positively impacted the entire school community. The edifice has lifted the students and community and has brought pride to all”.

 

She said that with the additional space provided, “the possibility for innovation is limitless”.

 

Meanwhile, Chairman of the school Board, Maureen Tomlinson, urged the community to take ownership of the institution.

 

“Once you take ownership of the school, there is no abuse and there is no vandalism, so we are calling on the community of Campbell’s Castle to take charge of your school,” she said.

 

For her part, President of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Camille Gregory Hall, pledged that the body “will take care of this building, because we have been longing for this”.

 

“I will definitely work with the principal, the staff, the children and the community to ensure its protection,” she added.

 

The school building project was undertaken by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information through the National Education Trust (NET).

 

The Government of Japan donated $13 million through its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security initiative, which provides grants for community development projects across various sectors.

 

CAPTION: Students perform a cultural item at the official opening of the new Campbell’s Castle Primary School building in Manchester, which was constructed at a cost of $51 million. Seated (from left) are Director of Donor and Partnership Management, National Education Trust (NET), Latoya Harris; Member of Parliament for South Manchester, Michael Stewart; Advisor at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Howard Chamberlain; Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Hiromasa Yamazaki; and Principal of the school, Petagaye Campbell.

JIS: Director of the Centre for Disability Studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Senator Dr. Floyd Morris, is encouraging parents not to isolate, exclude or discourage a child with a disability, but to do everything to ensure that the child will be the best he or she can be.

 

He was addressing the recent launch of Child Month 2019, held at the GraceKennedy Office in downtown Kingston.

 

Child Month will be observed during May, under the theme ‘Encourage, Enable, Include Me’, with a focus on children with disabilities.

 

Senator Morris said he is very excited about the future of Jamaica, in the context of persons with disabilities. “There are a number of individuals and institutions getting involved and are making sure that the message gets out that children with disabilities can be whosoever they want to be and become a success story,” he said.

 

However, he said that “we have to encourage, enable and include these special children, so that they will be able to accomplish their dreams”.

 

Meanwhile, UNICEF Education Specialist, Dr. Rebecca Tortello, who brought greetings at the launch, said that Jamaica was the first country to ratify the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities in 2007, and that was followed by the National Disability Act in 2014.

 

She noted that in recent years, UNICEF Jamaica has proudly supported the development of a revised curriculum for children with moderate to severe learning disabilities, with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.

 

Several activities will be undertaken in May by the National Child Month Committee (NCMC), along with several of its partners and sponsors.

 

Highlights of the Month will be the National Church Service, which will be held on Saturday, May 4, at the Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church, 10-12 Osbourne Road in Kingston, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Churches across the island are being encouraged to host services focusing on children during the month.

 

On Friday, May 17, National Children’s Day will be observed. On the day, adults are asked to take time out to recognise and appreciate the children, while paying special attention to those with special needs. Persons are also asked to wear sunshine yellow in observance of the day.

 

For Wednesday, May 29, a Day of Prayer will be held at the Maranatha Gospel Hall, 7 Deanery Road. Jamaicans are being encouraged to join the NCMC in praying for the nation’s children.

 

Sponsors for Child Month 2019 are GraceKennedy Limited, the National Baking Company Foundation, Jamaica Producers, Jamaica Broilers Group of Companies, and the Sagicor Foundation.

 

CAPTION: Director of the Centre for Disability Studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Senator Dr. Floyd Morris (right), greets Patron of the National Child Month Committee (NCMC), Hon. Douglas Orane, at the launch of Child Month 2019, which was held recently at the GraceKennedy office in downtown Kingston.