Author Archives: JN Foundation

As Jamaica begins the road to recovery from the emotional, economic and infrastructural fallout caused by Hurricane Melissa, two education psychologists are calling for an urgent overhaul of Jamaica’s education system, starting at the early childhood level. They say the revamp will strengthen resilience and better prepare children and other stakeholders in the face of rising disasters.

Delivering the first of two keynote addresses on the opening day of the JN Foundation and The University of the West Indies (UWI) School of Education Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre Colloquium on the topic, Nurturing Well-Being and Building Resilience, the specialists, Professor Loraine Cookand Dr Sharline Cole, from the School of Education at UWI Mona, argued that Jamaica must reshape how it educates and protects children and their educators, both during crises and in the classroom before and after events.

They noted that as the country remains vulnerable to climate-driven disasters, children should be empowered as “agents of protection in disasters”. They called on authors to write textbooks and storybooks featuring disaster-management techniques so children can process risk and prepare through familiar characters and culturally relevant storytelling. “Present it so that children from as early as three can start understanding what vulnerabilities they will face in society,” said Professor Loraine Cook.

The education psychologists also stressed the need to continue improving school infrastructure across the country to be hurricane resilient, as many remain vulnerable to high-impact weather systems. They also pushed for a stronger national remote learning strategy, built on both online and offline methods to ensure continuity of education when schools are damaged or inaccessible. Citing an effective model from another disaster-prone country, Belize, Professor Cook said, “they utilise transistor radios to bring learning into the homes and I think that’s fantastic. It is so flexible, you don’t just rely on the internet.”

The Cuban Model

Beyond that, the psychologists urged education stakeholders in Jamaica to adopt international best practices that teach young children practical disaster preparedness skills. Using Cuba as a case study, Dr Cook shared how early childhood schools integrate a “culture of prevention” into their curriculum, preparing children for disasters. Using age-appropriate activities like drills, storytelling and themed games, the schools teach young children to recognise risks and react to emergencies with calmness and safety. She added that in primary schools, students from grades one to six also study their natural surroundings and learn about the environment through daily observation.

“The goal is for children to become agents of change by applying and sharing what they learn both within their families and across their communities,” Professor Cook shared.

Dr Sharline Cole added that in the redesign of the education system, children must be encouraged to express and validate their emotions as part of disaster recovery.

“Children have a say, and we should provide them with an opportunity to say what they feel and understand their emotions. Let them share exactly what is happening to them because if they don’t, it’s going to create problems later on. We have to listen to what they have to say and help them to talk about it,” she said.

The psychologists also highlighted that the call for transformation extends beyond students. While noting that teachers possess some psychosocial competencies, they highlighted that the concurrent demand of delivering curriculum content and addressing students’ traumatic experiences also present a significant challenge for educators. To ease this burden, they recommended that the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information partner with universities and counsellor-training institutions to implement a structured national internship programme. Under the proposal, mental health trainees would work alongside classroom teachers to provide socio-emotional support during instructions, helping to stabilise the classroom environment and improve academic performance.

Adaptive Education System Needed

While underscoring the importance of supporting educators’ well-being, the specialists also called for a more adaptive education system, one capable of shifting quickly during emergencies and informed by data.

On the point of data, they urged the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to collect and report on data relating to the effectiveness of the existing Guidelines for Child-Friendly Disaster Management and Response, to assist in policies reflecting the realities children face before, during and after disasters.

“Despite having the guidelines, the Government faces challenges in implementing child protection in emergencies as a central focus of their operations,” Dr. Cole said, citing a 2019 statement from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

“We have the guidelines [but] are we putting them into action and does it end there?” she questioned. “We need the data to guide our practice, to make the appropriate implementation or to make decisions. If we don’t have that data, it’s difficult for us to make informed decisions, be able to plan and ensure we have a resilient society,” she concluded.

The two-day colloquium was held from November 27-28 at the UWI Regional Headquarters, under the theme: Let’s shape tomorrow, together. It brought together educators, policymakers and sector leaders to examine the state of early childhood education in the region and to chart the way forward.

Pilar Ellington, a resident of St Andrew, has already participated in three relief efforts across western Jamaica, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Driven by a deep sense of compassion and duty to those in need, she has committed to return as often as she can to provide further assistance to affected persons to rebuild their lives.

A dedicated volunteer and employee of the JN Group, Ms Ellington, was among the first to respond to the call for staff members to support the activities of the JN Foundation which partnered with the Jamaica Automobile Association and St John Ambulance Jamaica, to bring much-needed supplies and services to more than 1,000 residents in Trelawny and St Elizabeth.

“Our role included conducting medical and social surveys to assess the needs of residents, particularly their medical conditions, so that the medical team could provide immediate assistance where necessary. We also helped to distribute some 300 care packages,” she said, adding that the team provided telecommunication access through Starlink services, along with a generator that allowed residents to charge their devices.

Ms Ellington, a member relations officer at the JN Group, pointed out that she was deeply moved by the extent of the damage observed in the various communities.

“Pictures and videos really don’t capture the full reality of what we saw. Houses made of board and concrete alike, were completely destroyed, roads became riverbeds. It was heartbreaking to witness,” she related, adding that power lines were down, water and electricity were unavailable, and cell phone service was extremely poor.

“The situation is challenging. It felt like stepping back in time,” she said.

A moment that will always be etched in her memory was the assistance St John Ambulance Jamaica provided to a diabetic woman who had become critically ill.

“She was taken to the temporary field hospital in Black River due to the severity of her situation. It was gratifying to be able to be a part of an initiative which helps in this way. I could only imagine what might have happened if we hadn’t been there as volunteers to check in on the residents,” she reflected.

Ms Ellington also related that during the team’s outreach efforts in Lacovia, St Elizabeth, residents led them to the home of an elderly man whose house had collapsed during the hurricane while he was inside and how neighbors rushed to rescue him.

“When they got inside, they found him soaked and trembling in a small closet. One of the neighbors took him in, and they’ve been trying to reach his family,” she shared.

The residents, she noted, welcomed the relief support. Many expressed heartfelt gratitude for the aid which brought comfort in their time of great loss.

“They were very grateful for the help and care packages. Many elderly and vulnerable residents had lost their medication and were living with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. Some were even bedridden. They were extremely appreciative of the medical support and the assistance provided by the St John Ambulance Service,” she said.

“What stood out most to me was the community’s strength and positive spirit. Everyone remained hopeful and worked together to help one another,” she pointed out.

Speaking to the alignment of her work and innate nature of volunteerism, Ms Ellington, noted that her personal efforts is reflective of the mandate of the JN Circle, the activities for which she coordinates.

“JN Circle members are advocates for change and building stronger communities, and I truly believe in that mission,” she emphasised.

There are 16 local chapters of the JN Circle in Jamaica.  Overseas chapters are based in Toronto, Canada and London, England.

Over the years, Ms Ellington has made it her duty to give back in any way she can. 

“I live by the principle, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ One day, any of us could be the one in need of a good Samaritan. So, help because it’s the right thing to do, and because it feels good to make a difference,” she explained.

Ms Ellington stressed that restoring Jamaica requires collaboration at every level and the willingness of every citizen to play their part in the national recovery process.

“Helping others, whether in a big or small way, is a privilege. It’s deeply rewarding to know you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. Don’t think that what you have to offer isn’t enough because nothing is too small. Your voice, your time, your strength, and your prayers all matter just as much as physical donations.”

“We have a long road to recovery and rebuilding stronger and better will take everyone’s effort,” she maintained.

The JN Foundation with The University of the West Indies (UWI) School of Education and the Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre will host a two-day regional conference, November 27–28 at The UWI Regional Headquarters, Mona Campus.

The event will spotlight the enduring legacy of Dudley Grant, Jamaica’s trailblazer in early childhood education, while highlighting the pivotal role of early childhood education in shaping sustainable Caribbean development.

Bringing together educators, policymakers, researchers, and advocates from across the region, the conference will explore critical themes in policy, practice, and partnerships that advance equitable, high-quality early learning outcomes. The programme will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and breakout sessions. It will also honour outstanding contributors to early childhood education in Jamaica.

Professor Zoyah Kinkead-Clark, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at The University of the West Indies, Mona, emphasised the importance of the partnership in advancing regional education priorities.

“The University of the West Indies is honoured to collaborate on this conference, which not only celebrates the work of one of our region’s greatest educators but also provides a forum for advocacy by sharing research, innovation, and policy insights that can sustainably transform early childhood education,” said Professor Kinkead-Clark.

“Our goal is to strengthen the link between evidence-based research, system quality and classroom practice, ensuring that every child in the Caribbean has access to quality early learning experiences.”

Claudine Allen, General Manager of the JN Foundation, said the event was timely, as it provides a platform for stakeholders to reimagine the future of early childhood education in the Caribbean.

“As one of the organisers of this conference, we at the JN Foundation are deeply committed to advancing the conversation around early childhood development. We firmly believe that if we are to tackle Jamaica’s education crisis in any meaningful way, we must start at the foundation by ensuring that our youngest learners have access to quality care and education from the very beginning,” said Miss Allen.

“Early childhood development is where the building blocks of literacy, numeracy, and social skills are formed. It is where we cultivate curiosity, confidence, and compassion, traits that define the kind of citizens and leaders our nation needs. Dudley Grant’s philosophy of educare—the seamless blend of care, play, and learning, captures this vision perfectly. Through this dialogue, we hope to reignite that spirit of collaboration and reaffirm our shared responsibility to strengthen the early years as the cornerstone of Jamaica’s educational and social transformation.”

Attendees will gain insights into evidence-based practices, innovative policy frameworks, and cutting-edge research designed to enhance early learning outcomes and promote holistic child development.

Key discussion topics include ‘Towards Effective Early Childhood Policies for Latin America and the Caribbean’, focusing on aligning regional policy frameworks and strengthening partnerships for equitable, high-quality outcomes; ‘Opportunity or Distraction: Technology and Early Childhood Education’, exploring how technology can both enhance and hinder early learning, and strategies for balanced integration; ‘Diversity in Practice: Addressing Unique Abilities and Cultural Differences in Early Childhood Education Delivery’; and ‘Early Childhood Curriculum Development and Delivery’.

Distinguished local and regional participants include Dr Ricardo Anderson, Lead, Technology and Innovation, One-on-One; Dr Tiou Clarke, Lecturer, University of Technology and the University of South Florida; Dr Dawn Lee DiPeri, Lead, Learning Passport, UNICEF; and Dr Rebecca Tortello, Education Specialist, UNICEF.

Regional experts that will present at the colloquium are Ena Dalso Henry, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports from Antigua; Nadera Ross, education officer, Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology in Belize; and Dr Dawn DiPerri, Interdisciplinary Global Design Leader & Faculty Trainer, UNICEF based in the United States.

Dudley Grant, affectionately known as Jamaica’s Father of Early Childhood Education, pioneered the ‘educare’ model, a child-centred approach that integrates play, parental involvement, and social interaction to nurture holistic development. His groundbreaking work reshaped Jamaica’s preschool landscape and continues to influence global early childhood education policy and practice today. Mr Grant died in 1988.

Persons interested in attending the conference may register on the JN Foundation website at http://jnfoundation.com/dgmt-colloquium/

As the devastating picture of the widespread damage and destruction wrought by Hurricane Melissa continues to unfold, especially across western parishes, the JN Group has deepened humanitarian support to assist in the recovery efforts.

Immediately in the aftermath of the storm’s impact last week, Jamaica National re-introduced the ISupportJamaica Fund to channel donations from Jamaicans overseas, to assist in relief and rebuilding efforts in the worst-affected areas, namely early childhood institutions, health facilities and homes for the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.

“The world is responding to Jamaica’s plight and we are moved by the outpouring of support,” said Claudine Allen, general manager, JN Foundation, adding “Jamaicans in the UK have already pooled together significant non-perishable items and hygiene supplies which are destined for Jamaica to be utilised by Food for the Poor.”

Tangible donations are facilitated through JN locations in the UK and remittances through JN Money Services, while cash donations are being sent to JN Bank account number 2094768349, through Faster Payments, or global bank transfers.

Additional information on how to donate can be found on the JN Foundation website, https://www.jnfoundation.com/hurricane-melissa-relief/.

In addition to the ISupportJamaica Fund, the JN Group is accommodating the volunteerism of its employees and collaborating to support state agencies and government partners with returning a sense of normalcy to worst affected communities. A corps of JN employee volunteers has been mobilised by the JN Foundation in partnership with St John’s Ambulance and JN Group member company, the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA), to provide well-needed medical care and assist with clearing debris. The first set of volunteers is set to lend support to several communities in St Elizabeth in a day of service on Sunday November 2 and will reconvene as required for other activities.

“This situation warrants our collaboration to help fuel recovery efforts for those most affected. Working alongside the government of Jamaica and other charities, we have carefully assessed the needs, hence our decision to support the provision of not only food and supplies, but medical assistance and basic first aid. The hospitals in the region are themselves damaged and overwhelmed, so care is limited and urgent, and, at the same time, movement is limited because of mounds of debris,” explained Ms Allen.  “We need all hands on deck.”

Ms Allen said sustainable measures also need to be implemented to keep aid flowing over time. She noted that the Foundation is working through its grassroots network of service groups, JN Circle, to provide on-the-ground support to communities across Jamaica.

“Through the JN Circle we have been able to channel some $20 million in aid over the past two years to children’s homes, early childhood institutions, women’s organisations, and people who need help, among others,” Ms Allen outlined. “And we will be working through them now and over time to deliver support to communities.”

Accepting that communication remains a challenge, she pointed out “It’s important to support the call for agencies who are working to bring everyone together, such as the Council for Voluntary Social Services, CVSS,” and urged Jamaicans who want to help to sign up to volunteer for relief projects being deployed.

“This is the time we need to be our brother’s keeper. We will only recover and rebuild if we do it together,” she concluded. 

As survivors rebuild following last week’s landfall of Hurricane Melissa, more than 250 volunteers galvanized by St John’s Ambulance Jamaica and the JN Foundation brought first aid care to nearly 800 residents of the worst affected areas in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland over the weekend. The Jamaica Automobile Association, a JN Group member company, which transported the volunteers, also provided residents with hours of Wi-Fi internet via a Starlink connection, as communities remain without power and internet services.

Volunteers and qualified first aid responders and trainers treated several elderly Jamaicans with chronic ailments who lost prescribed medication during the catastrophic hurricane, and other people, mainly men, who have been unable to seek medical treatment for injuries sustained during the storm. Several roads remain impassible in the parishes and hospitals and healthcare facilities in the region have been damaged and stretched beyond capacity.

Vincent Wilson, an elderly resident of Barton Wharf in Lacovia, St Elizabeth, was among those who was seen by the team. Mr Wilson, who lives alone, was rescued by his neighbour Nicholas Morgan and his wife as the violent hurricane winds ravaged Mr Wilson’s home constructed of mainly board.

“When we go over there, he was trapped in a closet… Him go under there (the wardrobe/ closet) to look shelter, but the house tumble down and [trap him],” Mr Morgan explained to a group of volunteers from the JN Group.

Mr Morgan, his wife and son, recognised the emergency while trying to save their chickens and responded immediately by cutting the fence bordering the two properties to rescue the elderly man. They called but heard nothing at first, and with no response, they were about to leave when they heard rumbling in the dismantled structure. They struggled to pull his tall, lanky frame from the wardrobe.

“He barely could walk because him cramp, but we shoulder him until we get him [across],” Mr Morgan explained. Mr Wilson, thankful for life, is currently staying with the Morgans, but the diabetic’s blood pressure and ‘sugar’ medications were lost in the storm.

Others, mostly men, seen by volunteers, continued to labour, fixing the roofs of their homes, family members and neighbours, despite being in pain themselves.

Ramorio Solomon from Rice Piece fell while driving his motorcycle just a day prior to the volunteers’ visit. Blotches, commonly known as ‘cherries’, were visible on his left arm and right leg. With no access to a medical facility, only hydrogen peroxide was available to dress the wounds.  Romeo Wright, son-in-law of the elderly Meleta Harris, who also lost most of her medication for high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and heart condition, fell as he carried her from her home during the storm after the roof of her home blew off. He fell face down, injuring his chest.

“The first me a feel them pain here from me on Earth,” he told JN volunteers pointing across his chest, while, at the same time, still assisting other men to re-roof his mother-in-law’s home.

Meanwhile Norris Campbell’s left index finger was badly injured by a door slammed shut by the heavy winds. He too had nothing but hydrogen peroxide to apply to the severe wound that nearly severed his finger. Despite his injury, the elderly man pressed on to help neighbours remove fallen trees from their yard after the storm, which left his other hand swollen.

Duane Ellis, chief executive officer of the more than 100-year-old first-aid response and training organisation, St John Ambulance, commended the tremendous outpouring of response by volunteers from various groups, including JN Group employees, Kiwanis International, youth groups, as well as students from the University of Technology, Jamaica and The University of the West Indies, Mona. The volunteers’ main mission was to gather information on the needs and conditions of people in severely affected areas and recommend those in need for medical assistance to the ambulances staffed by qualified medical professionals.

“The response by volunteers was overwhelming, and because of that we have been able to conduct a very good information gathering on the needs in these communities, in respect of both the medical and welfare needs, so that targeted assistance can be provided in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and other agencies,” he said. The data will be used to provide ongoing support as the state and partners work to return normalcy to the communities.

Earl Jarrett, chairman of St John Ambulance and CEO of the JN Group, urged the preservation of survivors’ dignity during the recovery process. “Be empathetic. What you are doing is beyond what is expected,” he reminded volunteers.     

Photo Caption: Deandré Fowler, a first form student at Hampton School

With an insatiable appetite for reading, 12-year-old Deandré Fowler, a first-form student at Hampton School in St Elizabeth, would spend her holidays at the parish library in Black River, immersing herself in books, particularly mysteries, that ignite her imagination.

“She’s always reading,” said Jeneive Weathers, Deandré’s Grade Six teacher at the Black River Primary and Infant School.  “She read all the books in her class and would go to the other classes, borrow the books from the teachers and read them,” she related adding that Deandré would lament that the children were not reading the books.

Deandré’s stepfather, Maurice Mullings, a fixed asset officer at the Black River Hospital and an avid reader himself, shared that he and Deandré’s mother were intentional about nurturing her love for books from an early age.

“I’ve always encouraged her to read.  She always sees me reading. I’ve always told her that being well read will help her in every aspect of life.  There’s this 10-book series that I’m trying to get her to read by Steve Erickson.  Each book is around 1000 pages.  I’ve gone as far as getting apps on her phone where I can download ebooks for her to read,” he said.

“She has been with me since she was two years old and she has really been exceptionally bright.  She was reading long before her peers.  Her mother did a lot of work where that is concerned.  She had to be held back in grades because of her age.”

Mr Mullings is confident that Deandré’s commitment to reading laid the foundation for her academic success. That dedication bore fruit when she emerged as the overall top student in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) at her former school, achieving a placement score of 382.7. Her outstanding performance earned her a five-year scholarship from the JN Foundation and she was named the 2025 JN Foundation Parish Scholar for St Elizabeth.

Deandré is pleased that her hard work has been paid off with a scholarship award.  She recalled that she was talking with a friend on the phone when her mother broke the news to her. She was initially in disbelief.

“I kept asking her, ‘are you sure?’ and I hugged her and started jumping.  I was very happy,” she said adding that she immediately called her stepfather to relay the good news.

A total of 37 students were awarded five-year scholarships by the JN Foundation Fourteen recipients are parish scholars; three, JN Bank Easi-Save County scholars; and, 20 are children of JN Group employees who gained the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarship for attaining a placement score of at least 320. An additional 10 students were presented with one-time grants by JN Money Services.

Deandré’s mother, Dacia Foskin, a cashier supervisor at Intown Supercentre in Black River, was at work when she received the email advising her of the  scholarship award. Overwhelmed with joy, she could not contain her excitement.

“I just lost myself, for I was so happy. I started running up and down and screaming. I was so excited,” she recalled, adding that given Deandré’s stellar PEP performance, she had been hopeful a scholarship would come her way.

The scholarship award was no surprise to Deandré’s grade six teacher, who encouraged Deandré’s mother to apply for scholarships.

“I know she would have gotten it. Deandré was an excellent student.  She doesn’t work on any haste.  She takes her time and makes sure that her answers are ok.  When she comes to me, everything is ok and there’s no correction. She was one of the best students that I have ever had,” said Ms Weathers.

Deandré related that she prepared for PEP by attending extra classes at school Mondays to Thursdays and for four hours on Saturdays. She always ensured that homework is done, she read over her notes and sought help from her teacher when she didn’t understand something.  She also practised with worksheets she accessed online and went through past papers.

Now settled into her new school, Deandré has adjusted with ease and is already looking forward to exploring new opportunities beyond the classroom. She is eager to join several clubs, including Key Club and the Journalism Club, while also considering activities such as chess, photography, and even crochet.

She provides advice to other children preparing for PEP so they can achieve similar success as her.

“Set goals. Never be discouraged and try your best to achieve those goals,” she said.

A middle child, Deandré has two sisters.  She is indecisive about her career path but is leaning towards become a doctor.

Since the inception of the JN Scholarship Programme in 1983, close to 1,000 students have benefitted from financial assistance to pursue their secondary education.

For 12-year-old Kiyana Hayles, receiving a JN Foundation Scholarship was both a surprise and a source of immense pride. The St Mary native, now a first-form student at St Hilda’s Diocesan High School, admitted she had almost given up hope of being chosen.

“I didn’t think that I would get it,” she said explaining that a period of time had passed since her mother submitted the application hence, she doubted that she was selected.

She recalled being in her room when her mother delivered the news to her and the sense of accomplishment she experienced.

“I was happy. It makes me feel excited and proud of myself, because I know that most persons when they apply for scholarships, they don’t get it,” she shared.

The scholarship, which will provide support for five years, was equally welcome news for her mother, Dawn Martin, who operates a food café in Galina, St Mary.

“I am so elated, I’m so grateful because sometimes it’s really hard so that will come in really handy,” she said adding that based on her daughter’s performance in the PEP, she knew she stood a good chance of getting the scholarship.  She related that it was a cousin of hers who shared the scholarship applications details with her and encouraged her to apply.

In addition to the scholarship award to Kiyana, the JN Foundation awarded five-year scholarships to 36 other students. Fourteen recipients are parish scholars; three, JN Bank Easi-Save County scholars; and 20 are children of JN Group employees who gained the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarship for attaining a placement score of at least 320. An additional 10 students were presented with one-time grants by JN Money Services.

With 603 applications received online this year, the JN Foundation Scholarship remains one of the most competitive awards. The students and/or their parents are required to be a JN member, customer, or client of The Jamaica National Group for at least one year to be eligible for the scholarship award.

Kiyana’s teacher, Shurdan Anderson, said she had expected Kiyana’s scholarship and that Kiyana had always been an outstanding student.

“From grade one right up to grade six, she is always first place. Words cannot explain how proud I am of her,” Ms Anderson disclosed.  “She was someone who you could depend on. Homework, projects, assignments, and academic work were always done.”

Ms Anderson also pointed out that she was confident that Kiyana would have done well in the PEP that when Kiyana’s mother was in the process of choosing schools, she and another teacher encouraged her to select St Hilda’s.

Academically, Kiyana has always been a standout. A former head girl, she emerged the overall top performer in PEP and earned the Principal’s Award.  She was also the valedictorian of her graduating class.

She attributes her academic success to discipline and preparation. Her advice to students preparing for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams is simple but impactful.

“Make sure you focus in school; take proper notes, study when you get home, and don’t use your devices often because they can be a distraction.”

Kiyana has quickly adapted to her new environment. She particularly admires her teachers and appreciates the discipline at the school. Although not yet a member of a club, she hopes to join the 4-H and Art Clubs, driven by her budding passion for drawing.

Her daily routine, however, is not without sacrifice. Every morning, she rises at 4:00 a.m. to prepare for her journey, which involves taking two buses to get to school. Despite the early start, Kiyana remains enthusiastic.

“Sometimes I feel tired, but it doesn’t last. I look forward to school,” she said.

Outside of schoolwork, Kiyana enjoys reading and drawing. She often receives books as gifts especially from her aunt and sometimes reads online. A voracious reader, she sometimes goes through books twice a day, underscoring her love for stories of all genres.

Looking to the future, Kiyana has set her sights on medicine, aspiring to become a paediatrician.

“I would like to help children,” she said, noting that she would be the first doctor in her family. Guided by the Bible scripture in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Kiyana believes that determination will carry her toward her dream.

Since the inception of the JN Scholarship Programme in 1983, close to 1,000 students have benefitted from financial assistance to pursue their secondary education.

St Thomas Seniors Graduate from Computer Training Programme

There was excitement at the normally quiet St Thomas Parish Library as seven proud seniors received certificates of completion of a computer training programme, which was designed for them.

Their smiles, laughter, and sense of accomplishment told a story bigger than technology, it was about accomplishment, resilience, growth, and the joy of lifelong learning.

Among them was 73-year-old Constance Worrell, who now proudly displays her certificate in her living room as a reminder that “age should never hold you back.”

“When I started the programme, I was excited, not nervous,” Ms Worrell shared. “I wanted to refresh my memory, catch up with technology, and be in the know. Things have changed so much since I was working, and I didn’t want to be left behind.”

Like her fellow graduates, Ms Worrell entered the training with curiosity and determination. Over several weeks, the seniors tackled everything from basic computer operations and email management, to typing, file organisation, and even using WhatsApp.

For some, the simplest tasks, such as cutting and pasting text, were milestones. For others like Miss Worrell, inserting pictures into a document was the toughest challenge. “But I was determined,” she laughed. “With trial and error, I got it.”

That determination, coupled with the support of staff and peers, kept the seniors motivated. “The instructors made us feel so comfortable,” Ms Worrell said. “We had fun while learning. Everybody was jovial, and at no time did you feel inadequate.”

The Jamaica Library Service (JLS), which spearheaded the initiative, which was made possible through the donation of computers by the JN Foundation and the JN Circle, was intentional about creating a supportive and engaging environment.

“The seniors had dedicated staff members, hands-on practice, and strong peer support that kept them motivated and engaged,” explained Shana-Lee Coley-Smith, librarian at the St Thomas Parish Library.

“They were elated to graduate, and many expressed a desire for even more training.”

Norman Hinds, president of the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter which identified the need and coordinated the donation of the computers, expressed delight that the community was not only benefiting from the donation, but that the gift was resonating in various ways.

“We were happy to support this initiative because technology should not leave anyone behind, especially our seniors. By equipping them with both the tools and the training, weare not just empowering individuals but strengthening families and communities as well. As now the seniors can use the technology to keep in-touch with their families and friends,” he said.

The JN Circle is a global network of JN members and customers who leverage the JN Group’s resources to serve as advocates and community change agents. With 17 chapters spanning all 14 parishes and active groups in Toronto, Canada, and London, England, the JN Circle continues to make meaningful contributions to community development.

Beyond the skills learned, the social aspect of the programme stood out for participants. Seniors from different clubs and communities came together, building new friendships and enjoying the camaraderie of group learning.

“It helped us to socialise and get to know each other,” Ms Worrell noted. “We encouraged one another, and it made the learning more enjoyable.”

The impact is already evident in their daily lives. Graduates reported feeling more confident browsing the internet, managing emails, creating documents, and using messaging apps to stay connected with loved ones. For Ms Worrell, that meant sending her children in the United Kingdom a photo of her certificate, a moment that filled them with pride.

Still, she and her classmates are eager for more. Having had their first taste of digital empowerment, they want to keep going. “I’m not 100 per cent there yet, but it has helped me an awful lot,” Ms Worrell admitted. She looks forward to applying her skills to committee work once her tablet is back in service.

For the Jamaica Library Service, the success of this cohort underscores the importance of investing in vulnerable groups. “When seniors gain confidence and independence through technology, the entire community benefits,” said Mrs Coley-Smith. “It strengthens connections, reduces isolation, and empowers them to remain active participants in society.”

And if there’s one message that Ms Worrel wants to leave with other seniors, it is don’t let age stand in the way. “We don’t do age in my senior citizens’ group,” she said firmly. “You are as old as you feel. Don’t lock yourself away in the house, try new things, even if it’s just once. And don’t just mix with your age group; younger generations will lift your spirits.”

For these seven seniors, graduation was more than the end of a course, it was the beginning of a new chapter. With certificates in hand and confidence in their stride, they are proof that it’s never too late to learn, to connect, and to grow.

“I feel wonderful,” Ms Worrell said with a smile that mirrored the sentiments of her classmates. “This programme has shown us all that age should never hold you back.”