Author Archives: JN Foundation

Photo Caption: Feyonia Myrie (left), communications officer demonstrates to a student a Dinthill Technical High School how to wear a helmet.

The auditorium at Dinthill Technical High School in Linstead, St Catherine, was abuzz with activity as grade 10 students gathered for an interactive road safety presentation, spearheaded by the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC), a project implemented by the JN Foundation and the National Road Safety Council, and funded by the FIA Foundation

The focus of the session was the importance of wearing helmets, an often overlooked yet critical aspect of road safety.

A Powerful Road Safety Message

Sydoney Preddie, Project Manager for the NHWC, led the presentation with a mix of passion and urgency. Through charts, videos, and real-life statistics, she highlighted the devastating consequences of neglecting helmet use.

“We aim to reach young people at this crucial stage of their development to instill a culture of safety,” she explained after her presentation. “By helping them understand the importance of wearing helmets and making responsible decisions on the road, we hope these habits will carry over when they become motorists, ultimately contributing to fewer accidents and saving lives.”

Students Share Their Takeaways

For Grade 10 student, Kechani Thompson, the session was both engaging and informative. “It was educational,” she shared. “I learned that helmets can expire and how many people die each year from not wearing them.” Although she doesn’t ride bikes, the presentation had an impact on her. “In Jamaica, a lot of people don’t wear helmets when they ride bikes,” she observed.

Her classmate Michele found the session equally eye-opening. “I learned that you don’t just ride bikes—you drive them,” she said, her interest piqued at the prospect of getting her driver’s licence in the future.

For Trishana Francis, however, the session resonated on a deeper level. Feeling uplifted after a challenging morning, she revealed, “I was feeling down, but going in there and coming out, I felt kind of happy. It lifted my spirits.”

Her personal connection to the topic made it even more meaningful. Her older brother, an avid biker, did not own a helmet. Her wish to provide him with a helmet was later fulfilled by the Coalition, a gesture that left her both relieved and happy.

Dinthill’s Commitment to Road Safety

The initiative aligns seamlessly with Dinthill Technical High School’s commitment to promoting road safety. Principal Anthony Garwood underscored the school’s proactive approach, which includes driver education as part of the curriculum.

“We’re one of the schools that do driver education. It came out of a concern about how the students respond on the road, how they take transportation and what transportation to take,” he explained.

Mr Garwood commended the students for their positive reception of the session, particularly the interactive elements. “The initiative by the JN Foundation is a great addition to what we’re already doing,” he said.

Collaborating partners, including the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) and the HEART Trust NSTA, also emphasised the importance of reaching young people early. Dontae Matthews, ITA’s Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Relations, noted, “We want to ensure that our motorcyclists, prospective and current, wear helmets. We also realise that our young people account for a lot of our fatalities, so we have to get to them at an early age.”

Nearly 240 upper school students were in attendance for the helmet safety presentation and the wider school community of almost 1,000 were engaged at the booths during the day’s activities.

Photo Caption: Jennifer Martin, JN Foundation board member presents Xiomara Gordon, the 2024 JN Foundation PEP Scholar for Kingston, with her certificate during the JN Foundation scholarship award ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston recently.

Despite women remaining underrepresented in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and engineering specifically where they occupy less than 20 per cent of engineering-related positions worldwide (according to the Society of Women Engineers), Xiomara Gordon, the 2024 JN Foundation Primary Exit Profile (PEP) scholarship recipient for Kingston, is determined to make her mark in the field.

Inspired by her love of problem-solving and innate curiosity sparked by online videos, Xiomara believes a career in engineering is the perfect match for her talents. It has been an area of interest for the Vaz Preparatory alumna since age six. She is now a first former at Campion College in St Andrew.

“I’ve been watching videos about engineering, and it looks like such an exciting and creative field. I love figuring out how things work too, so I feel like this career would be a perfect fit for me,” she said.

Although she has not yet decided on a specific engineering discipline, she is already charting a path forward, with plans to pursue her studies in Germany. She began laying the groundwork for her engineering journey as early as 2021, when she purchased the book, The 50 Greatest Engineers by Paul Virr and William Potter.

Looking ahead, she plans to join her new school’s engineering club and continue excelling academically, ensuring she meets the requirements for admission into top engineering programmes.

Xiomara has already built an impressive academic record. After sitting her PEP exams at Vaz Prep earlier this year, she received awards for Most Outstanding Performance in Mathematics and Language Arts and awards for Outstanding Performance in Science and Ability.

Campion College was her dream school and in addition to passing for the institution of her first choice, her PEP grades earned her one of the five-year JN Foundation scholarships, for which she simply said she is grateful to receive. She was among 37 scholarship recipients recognised for their PEP achievements at the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship awards reception held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston recently.

“The PEP exams were ok, they weren’t hard,” she said adding that, “I really wanted a scholarship and I’m thankful that I got the JN scholarship.”

Besides her interest in engineering, Xiomara likes tennis. She is also an active member of the Crochet and Key Clubs at Campion.

Her mother, Kerrian Johnson, who works in property management and administration, said she is proud of her daughter’s work ethic, independent nature and drive for success.

“She has high standards, and her teachers will tell you, if she gets 98 per cent she cries. Xio has always been a focused child and continues to be that way throughout school. I am her biggest cheerleader and supporter,” she said.

Describing her daughter as creative and bubbly, especially around family, Ms Johnson shared how she enjoys watching Xiomara explain complex concepts and break down difficult principles for her peers. She added that her daughter also has a passion for building with Legos.

With a background in marketing and public relations, Ms Johnson said she fully supports her daughter’s ambitions and is excited to see her make waves and break barriers in STEM.

“I want Xio to know that she can go and be anything she wants to be, whether it’s in Germany or anywhere else. When she was little, she always said she wouldn’t leave me, but I tell her all the time to go and explore the world, understanding that wherever I am is home,” Ms Johnson noted as she expressed gratitude to the JN Foundation for providing Xiomara with a scholarship.

“I was happy to get the news, and I really wanted this. It will certainly assist with her educational expenses,” Ms Johnson said.

Photo Caption: Chevanese Peters (left), project coordinator at the JN Foundation presents diapers, food supplies and milk-based products to Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, founder of Mustard Seed Communities. Sharing in the moment is Omar Wright, lead, environment, and community development programmes at the JN Foundation. The presentation took place on Thursday, December 19 at My Father’s House on Mahoe Drive in Kingston. The JN Group through the JN Foundation made the presentation under its ‘Comfort for Christmas’ initiative, which is supported by members of staff at The Jamaica National Group. The initiative is in its third year.

Support for the Mustard Seed Communities has been bolstered with a generous donation from the JN Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Jamaica National Group, to help address the increasing needs of the approximately 500 residents across Jamaica in its care.

The donation, which included nearly 4,000 diapers, canned foods, and milk products, comes at a critical time as the organisation expands its care to include 58 Haitian children. The donation was made by members of staff of The JN Group.

Father Garvin Augustine, executive director of Mustard Seed Communities International, expressed gratitude for the support, noting the significant impact such contributions have on the lives of the children and the organisation’s ability to provide for their diverse needs.

“Every little thing makes a difference,” he said at the official handover of the items recently at the Mustard Seed Communities’ Mahoe Drive location in St Andrew. “This donation allows us to bring dignity and joy to the children we care for, many of whom have special needs,” he added.

The JN Foundation’s initiative, ‘Comfort for Christmas’, now in its third consecutive year, focuses on providing much-needed supplies to support the day-to-day operations of Mustard Seed’s apostolates in St James, St Ann, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and Manchester. This year’s contribution included items essential for the care of children who rely on feeding tubes and specialised dietary products.

Candice Nichols, social impact assessment officer at the JN Foundation, highlighted the growing demand for food and basic supplies following the Mustard Seed’s acceptance of Haitian children in need of care at the Jacob’s Ladder apostolate in St Ann earlier this year.

“We acknowledged the increased need and made an effort to include canned food this year alongside our regular donations of diapers and milk products,” Ms Nichols said.

She disclosed that the JN Foundation’s continued support of Mustard Seed Communities extends beyond the holiday season, with past contributions including emergency aid after Hurricane Beryl. Nichols is urging others to contribute, emphasising that even small donations can make a meaningful impact.

“Sometimes people hesitate to give because they think their contribution isn’t enough,” she explained. “But whether it’s one pack of diapers or $1,000 Jamaican dollars, every effort adds up to help us meet the needs of these children.”

Ms Nichols further stated that with the latest donation, the JN Group through the JN Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Mustard Seed Communities in their shared mission to improve the lives of Jamaica’s most vulnerable citizens.

Mustard Seed Communities care for children with disabilities, abandoned children, and marginalised groups, requiring continuous support. They provide shelter, food, medical supplies, therapeutic interventions, and basic household items. Father Garvin Augustine emphasised that donations of any kind, whether financial or in-kind, help sustain the mission and ensure the children’s wellbeing.

In the early years of prep school, Kiarrah Wisdom was could not read. The situation was so dire that her mother, Nekeshia Gray, became concerned that something might have been wrong.

However, through hard work and determination, Kiarrah overcame that obstacle and as a reward for her growth, became the JN Foundation Scholarship recipient for the parish of St James after she achieved a score of 387.4 in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) Exam, which was enough to place her at her first choice, Montego Bay High School.

“Kiarrah’s story is very inspiring,” said Miss Gray. “Up to Grade Two she was unable to read. I remember one Saturday I was with her at piano class and I gave her a book which was outside of the regular scope of books and she was unable to break down the words.”

She added, I became concerned and I asked myself ‘what is this?’ I pulled her from piano lessons, while her sister continued. “I took her to Fontana Pharmacy and asked her to choose a book that she liked to get her to start reading. She chose a book that she wanted to read and for two terms, every Saturday, that’s what we did, sat under a tree in Mr. Gilzene’s yard and read.”

Both Kiarrah and her mother are so appreciative of the book that they have refused to part with it.

“We still have the book, The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt because it is one of those that we haven’t given away,” Miss Gray revealed.

For Kiarrah, overcoming that hurdle meant that she could excel in her academics at school. Her efforts were rewarded when she was named as the JN Foundation PEP Scholar for St. James.  The JN Foundation Scholarship is awarded to students who excel in external exams at the primary level for the past 40 years.

This year, the JN Foundation awarded a total of 47 scholarships. Of the amount, 37 were five-year awards: 14 parish scholarships; three JN Bank Easi-Save County scholarships; and 20 children of JN Group staff members who received the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarships. The remaining 10 awards were one-time grants presented by JN Money Services Limited to high-performing students who did not receive full scholarships.

“I have been working hard since grade three and put in a lot of effort to do well because I wanted to go to my first choice, Montego Bay High School,” she said. “I wanted to get a scholarship and believed that I could get one.”

The 12-year-old who said mathematics was her favourite subject hopes to become an accountant said although she was confident that she could achieve a scholarship, she was still nervous about the possibility of not doing as well as she wanted.

“I was a little nervous while studying because I kept asking myself ‘what if I don’t get to go to the school or my first choice or make my family proud?’ I decided to study hard and put my trust in God that I would do well,” she added.

Miss Gray is extremely proud of her daughter’s achievements and credits the success to Kiarrah’s dedication.

“Her memory is super good. However, before PEP she put in a lot of effort. She was always up before 5 ‘o’ clock studying and then got ready for school before I even got up. She was very determined,” explained Miss Gray.

“We are very happy because she really wanted to go to her first choice, Montego Bay High School because her older sister attends the institution and is in fourth form and she was adamant that she wanted to be with her older sister,” the mother added.

Miss Gray describes Kiarrah, who is the second of three daughters, has being very exuberant.

“Kiarrah is smack in the middle of my three children, but she doesn’t behave as a middle child. She is very rambunctious. You have to remember her whenever you interact with her. She doesn’t allow anyone to overshadow her and she is always determined to make her mark wherever she goes,” she said.

  As she immerses herself to the challenge of high school, Kiarrah is determined to follow the footsteps of her mother by choosing a similar path.

“I love numbers that’s why mathematics is my favourite subject. I love it because I hope to become an accountant,” she said.

Miss Gray added, “She likes my job because I am a Chartered Accountant and this is the reason she wants to follow my footsteps.”

Photo Caption: Jazmine Stewart, 2024 JN Foundation PEP Scholarship recipient for St Mary strikes a pose at her graduation alongside her academic awards from Retreat Primary School. She is accompanied by aunt, Nadine Benain (centre) and mother, Diandra Thompson-Stewart (right).

From age nine, Jazmine Stewart, former deputy head girl of Retreat Primary School and JN  Foundation PEP Scholar for St Mary, knew that she wanted to go to York Castle High School in Browns Town, St Ann.

“I planned out my school choices before I was even in grade five,” the now 13-year-old scholar said.

She worked diligently to achieve, what was at that time, her most important goal. From completing past papers to attending morning and evening classes, she did all she could with her objective in mind. “Just the fact that I could have a chance at going to York Castle kept me motivated to study. It’s kind of a big deal,” she continued.

As the youngest of 3 siblings, she benefited from the encouragement and guidance of her parents, Tristan Stewart and Diandra Thompson Stewart, who were proud to know their daughter was an exceptional student from a young age. “I knew she would get her first choice [York Castle High School], she’s been keeping her grades up since, well…, kindergarten so I wasn’t surprised,” Mrs Thompson Stewart said.

Having consistently placed at the top of her class, Jazmine’s hard work and dedication culminated in an impressive score of 365.3 out of the maximum 400 on her PEP exams. On graduation day, her efforts were recognised as she took home several academic awards, including the coveted title of ‘Top Girl’. This did not shock Mrs Thompson Stewart, “PEP is a lot, but the fact that she had a stronghold on it mentally helped. She was always like, ‘Mommy, I got this.’”

Together, the mother-daughter duo applied for scholarships to ensure the academic reign continued into her secondary school journey. But despite her planning, one thing Jazmine could not prepare for was a surprise call from her mother during lunch.

Overjoyed, Mrs Thompson Stewart couldn’t help but share the good news: Jazmine had been awarded a five -year scholarship from JN Foundation.

“I was so excited, I couldn’t help it,” Mrs Thompson Stewart explained.

“I didn’t believe her,” Jazmine continued, “She called me in the lunch line and texted me: ‘If I’m lying, I’m dying.’”

For 41 years, the JN Foundation Scholarship Programme has rewarded students like Jazmine, whose dreams of academic excellence mirror the Foundation’s goal to support youth development. This year, 37 scholarships and 10 grants have been awarded to exceptional students from across the island to help them achieve their educational and personal development goals.

“She’s one of those students that you expect to do exceptionally well. To watch Jazmine win something is a sight and I’m excited to see what she does with this scholarship,” said her Grade 6 Mathematics teacher, Mrs Tamara Howard-Hemmings.

“You know it’s like a reward for her, because the praise is coming from outside now, not just from us the family or teachers, saying that she’s brilliant. It shows her (Jazmine) that when you put in the hard work people will see it and keep her motivated to do great,” noted her father, Tristan Stewart.

Now, having completed her first term at York Castle, the teen remains excited about all her school has to offer. She continues to enjoy the atmosphere of her favourite class, information technology, and has joined the Homemakers Club and Key Club. The young optimist also hopes to participate in sports once she has settled in.

The transition to high school has not been without its difficulties, as Jazmine juggles school, extracurricular activities, homework, and a long daily commute which sometimes involves her returning home well after dark. Regardless of the challenges her parents remain proud of their daughter’s zeal, “It’s refreshing to see one so young, so committed to her studies,” her dad mused. “Yes, my favourite thing about ‘Jaz’ is her resilience and persistence. I always tell her to do her best and she does,” her mother lauded her.

From a dream at nine-years-old to walking the halls of York Castle High School with pride, the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship has encouraged Jazmine to continue paving the way for her future success as an orthodontist. While Jazmine continues to make her other dreams a reality, she encourages PEP students to, “think about how proud your friends and family will be, of you for going to your first-choice high school.”

Photo Caption: Members of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition take a group photo. From left to right are Omar Green, Chrisopher Atkinson, Rodney Forbes, Paula Anna Porter Jones, Kevon Clayton and Yosef Bent.

Motorcyclists and members of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC) are underscoring the importance of wearing a helmet when riding or travelling as a pillion. They also highlighted essential safety practices for riders and motorists.

The advice was provided as part of activities to observe World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, commemorated on November 17, 2024. Motorcyclists formed a convoy on the day, riding from Ferry, St Catherine to a well-known crash hot spot across from the Mandeville Regional Hospital in Manchester.

The event was organised by the NHWC, an initiative managed by the JN Foundation in collaboration with the National Road Safety Council and funded by the FIA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the world governing body for motorsport.

Well-known media personality, Paula Ann Porter Jones, who is a member of the NHWC and a motorcyclist for over 10 years, stressed the importance of constant vigilance and awareness on the road. “It’s easy to forget what’s happening around you and think it’s just you, the machine, and the road,” she said. “But my thought is always, it’s not me alone.”

She emphasised that safety goes beyond personal control of the vehicle. “Safety involves not just what I’m doing on the motorcycle, but looking around for the dog, the cat, the cow, or the child running into the road,” she explained. “It also means being aware of car drivers who glance in their rearview mirrors but don’t see motorcyclists.”

Mrs Porter Jones urged riders to adopt a defensive mindset, effectively driving for everyone and everything on the road. This heightened awareness, she noted, is key to mitigating many potential hazards. “If you are that aware and that careful, you ride, you enjoy your machine, but you also avoid many of the things that could go wrong,” she advised.

Her safety message aligns with the goals of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, a time to reflect on lives lost and promote safer road behaviours. “If reflecting on our habits can prevent future tragedies, then those lives lost will not have been in vain,” Mrs Porter Jones added.

Otherexperienced riders, including Omar Green, Rodney Forbes, and Kevon Clayton, stressed the importance of prioritising safety through the wearing of proper gear, training, and responsible habits.

“All riders should invest in proper protective gear before even buying a bike,” said Kevon Clayton, a member of the Upshifterz Motorcycle Club. “Buy a certified helmet approved by authorities like DOT or Snell, a padded jacket, and gloves. Your life is worth far more than your bike.”

Rodney Forbes, a rider for three years, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that while bikes and gear can be replaced, “you can’t replace your body parts or your life.”

Meanwhile Mr Green, a rider with eight years of experience, highlighted the value of professional training and mentorship. “I was fortunate to learn from mature, accomplished riders who guided me on road principles and safety. Additionally, I recommend formal motorcycle courses, like the Back-to-Basics course in Kingston, to refine skills and build confidence.”

Mr Green also encouraged new riders to surround themselves with responsible individuals who prioritise safety and the joy of riding responsibly.

All riders agreed on the importance of a defensive approach to riding. “You have to drive not just for yourself but for others on the road,” said Mr Green. “Watch out for pedestrians, animals, and inattentive drivers who might not see a motorcyclist.”

Mr Clayton, who has survived multiple accidents, credited his helmet for saving his life. “I cannot overstate how essential it is to wear proper safety gear every time you ride.”

The riders also emphasised their commitment to educating younger motorcyclists. “Many young riders are influenced by bad role models who focus on hype and excitement, which isn’t always safe,” said Mr Clayton. “We want to shift that narrative by promoting helmet use, safe riding practices, and respect for the road.”

The ride out event did not only honour traffic victims but also reinforced the collective responsibility of all riders to advocate for safety and reduce road traffic fatalities. As Mr Forbes remarked, “Riding responsibly is not just about protecting yourself—it’s about fostering a culture where safety is the norm, not the exception.”

The NHWC partnered with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, which has been demonstrating its support for motorcycle safety through collaborative efforts to promote helmet safety education and helmet distribution.

Photo Caption: Mickalia Grant (left), IT business manager, The Jamaica National Group; and Candice Nichols, (centre), social impact assessment officer, JN Foundation; present Christine Madden Watson, administrator, Sophie’s Place, with supplies raised through the ‘Comfort for Christmas’ initiative. The handover took place at Sophie’s Place last Christmas. 

For the third consecutive year, employees across the JN Group will spread goodwill for Christmas by engaging in a heartwarming outreach to support Mustard Seed Communities through the JN Foundation “Comfort for Christmas” initiative.

This year, eight apostolates of the Mustard Seed Communities are set to benefit from the effort, which is a feature of the Group’s employee giving programme. They are: Jerusalem in St Catherine; Widow’s Mite and Jacob’s Ladder in St Ann; Sophie’s Place, My Father’s House and Mary’s Child in St Andrew; Gift of Hope in Manchester and Blessed Assurance in St James.

Candice Nichols, social impact assessment officer at JN Foundation, who leads on ‘Comfort for Christmas’ pointed out that the proactive support and generosity of employees have been the backbone of the success of the outreach mission.

“Giving back is deeply embedded in our culture at JN, and employees live this value every day. Their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate is inspiring, and it is aligned with the values of the JN Group. Their effort shows how collective action can create meaningful change by extending kindness and support to those who need it most.”

Ms Nichols is encouraging the wider society to partner with JN employees by making monetary contributions to the JN Foundation’s Fuel a Nation savings account at JN Bank number RSV-002094590587 held at the Duke Street branch, with ‘Comfort for Christmas’ in the description to ensure funds go directly to the initiative.

“With the additional support from the public, we can provide even greater contribution to Mustard Seed Communities. The needs are immense, and every donation allows us to extend more help. We encourage everyone to join in this effort to make a meaningful difference this Christmas,” urged Ms Nichols.

Building on last year’s success, where employees and the JN Foundation provided nearly 6,000 diapers, 300 packs of milk, a commercial printer, and an industrial pressure cooker, the goal this year is to exceed those efforts.

Camille Barrett, escalation agent at the TCS Contact Centre & Debt Management, has already started organising a diaper drive in her work location to support the ‘Comfort for Christmas’ initiative. Last year, she used her own funds to purchase diapers and sought support for the initiative by encouraging her colleagues and members of the public to contribute.

“I enjoy giving back. I’m really big on charity. It’s something that’s in me from a tender age,” she said, adding that she was influenced by her mother, who for many years helped the less fortunate in her community and hosted children from a girls’ home every Christmas.

‘I grew up seeing them as my sisters,” she related. “I grew up not seeing myself better than anybody else.  One thing I’ve learned is to always help somebody.  It comes naturally.” 

Immediately after the outreach initiative at Mary’s Child last year, Camille returned with a hair stylist to braid the hair of some of the residents of the Home.

Christine Madden Watson, administrator at Sophie’s Place, one of the beneficiaries, expressed anticipation for the contributions, while noting the enormous need for consumables.  

“We are always elated to partner with JN to provide for the residents,” she said, adding that diapers are always in great demand as hundreds are used each month at her location.

She also pointed out that with additional support provided by ‘Good Samaritans’ through donations, the home has been able to operate efficiently in caring for the various needs of the residents.

Sophie’s Place is home to 23 special needs children and adults who range from age three to 38.

For many years, JN employees sponsored children at Sophie’s Place, helping with the cost of prescription medications.

Photo Caption: Omar Wright (right), lead, environment and community development programmes at the JN Foundation interacts with students who attended the youth symposium.

Omar Wright, lead, environment and community development programmes at the JN Foundation says students should take an active role in advocating for road safety, emphasising that youth voices are essential to addressing the global crisis of road traffic crashes.

Mr Wright made the call at the Manchester Beliefs Values and Attitudes Youth Symposium hosted by Custos of Manchester, Lt. Col. Garfield Green. The event was held recently at the Kendal Camp and Conference Centre in Manchester.

Pointing to alarming statistics from a 2019 UN study, Mr Wright underscored that road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for young people worldwide. Locally, Jamaicans aged 15 to 29 years account for a third of road fatalities, a statistic that he said emphsises the urgency of youth involvement in fostering change.

He encouraged students attending the symposium to stand up as representatives of the age group most affected by road crashes and emphasised the importance of their taking personal responsibility and cultivating leadership to advocate for safer roads.

“We need your belief, your values, and your willingness to take action,” he stated, urging students to see themselves as key agents of change.

He shared practical tips with students in attendance at the symposium on how to become road safety advocates. His advised them to model safe behaviours, such as wearing seatbelts, using crosswalks, and avoiding distractions, like mobile phones when on the road.

Mr Wright encouraged participants at the youth forum to educate their peers and community members about the risks of speeding, drunk driving, and other unsafe practices.

He recommended that young people join or initiate local road safety campaigns, such as walks or events, honouring road crash victims, as powerful ways to build awareness. Students were also advised to partner with schools, community leaders, and the police to advocate for measures such as better road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

Acknowledging the power of digital platforms, the JN Foundation manager urged youth to leverage social media to spread positive messages about road safety.

The symposium also highlighted ongoing efforts by the JN Foundation to address the crisis. “We are here to empower you with knowledge and opportunities to create change,” he said. “But we cannot do it alone. Your voice is essential.”

Students were inspired to see their advocacy to not only protect lives but also honour their potential. “We want to celebrate your achievements, not mourn your losses,” the JN Foundation lead on environment and community development programmes reminded attendees.

The symposium was hosted under the theme ‘Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement’. Established in 2021, the Manchester Beliefs, Values and Attitudes initiative emerged in response to the pressing social challenges facing Jamaican communities. It aims to facilitate attitudinal change and social revitalisation. The JN Foundation was a sponsor of the symposium.

For 12-year-old Nickayla Jarrett, being named the JN Foundation PEP Scholar for the parish of Trelawny has been a “monumental achievement.”

“My family was overwhelmed with joy, bursting with pride. I am the first person in my family to have received a scholarship of this nature,” she beamed, as she described the moment she learned she was the recipient of this coveted academic award.

Described as “responsible, reliable, and passionate” by her immensely proud mother, Alecia Morgan-Jarrett, the former student of the Hague Primary and Infant School, now attending Westwood High School, achieved a score of 374.9 out of 400 in Primary Exit Profile, simply known as PEP to most, to land the competitive scholarship.

Mrs Morgan Jarrett praises her daughter as a young lady who works diligently towards her goals consistently.

“I’m not surprised when Nickayla was named the 2024 JN Foundation PEP Scholar for Trelawny.”

An aspiring fashion designer – a career some may consider unconventional for children her age – Nickayla has dreams of studying her craft at some of the most prestigious schools overseas, and she has the full support of her family.

“I want to attend the New York School of Design and become a fashion designer and a franchise owner,” she proudly proclaims.

With big dreams and even bigger goals, the math enthusiast who loves solving problems, has already set the targets that will assist with achieving her goals.

Her love for problem-solving is a characteristic her sixth-grade teacher, Shannon Anglin, also singles out, describing Nickyala as, “a rare gem who faces challenges with humility, determination, and a hunger for success.”

She says she encouraged Nickayla to not only to pursue academic scholarship, but to become well-rounded by participating in various extracurricular activities. The young scholar, as a result, made time in her schedule at primary school for dance and the children’s choir at the Duncan’s New Testament Church of God, while also maintaining active participation as a Girl Guide, a member of the Schools’ Challenge Quiz team, the Mathematics Club and 4-H Club.

She has carried on her strong participation in non-academic activities since matriculating to Westwood High School as member of the News Society and Debate clubs.

“I try to maintain a schedule that balances academics, extracurricular activities, and socialising,” the pre-teen says, but not missing the chance to again express her gratitude to the JN Foundation for what she describes as an “invaluable opportunity.”

“This scholarship will ease some of the financial pressures on my mother, allowing us to focus on my academics and extracurricular activities rather than financial stress,” she commented.

Not only is she grateful to the JN Foundation, but also for the support of her grandparents, especially her grandfather, Aspinel Jarrett aka ‘Oliver’, who she says, “consistently devotes his time to stay with my brother and I after school until my mother returns home from work.”

Also on her gratitude list are her dedicated teachers at Hague Primary and Infant School, particularly her grade six teacher, Mrs Anglin.

“Her patience and encouragement inspired me. And Miss Hales, whose guidance helped shape my young mind,” she said.

Nickayla also acknowledges her spiritual family at Duncan’s New Testament Church of God, who prayed with and for her, and finally, but not least, she declared: “I thank God Almighty for His unwavering protection and guidance in my life.”

The JN Foundation PEP Scholarship and grants are awarded to students who demonstrate academic prowess, leadership potential, and a commitment to excellence – qualities that Nickayla has exemplified throughout her brief educational journey.

Since 1983, The Jamaica National Group has been supporting the educational pursuits of hundreds of young people at both the secondary and tertiary levels through the scholarship programme.