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Photo Caption: Reverend Phillip Johnson (centre), daughter, Danielle Johnson (right0 and Sydoney Preddie, lead, youth and education programmes at the JN Foundation share a family vision board on how families can be strengthened at a JN Foundation Parent and Child Empowerment session held recently under the theme, “The Productive Family Unit; Serving Individual Ambitions.”

Family dynamics and mental health took centre stage at the JN Foundation’s Parent and Child Empowerment (PACE) seminar, as panellists offered advice on fostering unity and resilience within families.

The seminar was held recently, in observance of Parent Month, which was observed in November under the theme, ‘Serving Individual Ambitions: The Productive Family Unit’ and was held in the form of a panel discussion with father-and-daughter, Phillip and Danielle Johnson. The seminar was moderated by Sydoney Preddie, lead, youth and education programmes at the JN Foundation.

Reverend Phillip Johnson emphasised the importance of maintaining an open line of communication within the family. “Every family has conflicts,” he noted, “but having a space for roundtable discussions where everyone feelings are heard, can make a significant difference.” Such discussions, whether addressing serious matters or minor grievances, help to eliminate division and encourage productivity in the home, he noted.

Another highlight was the conversation on healthy competition versus unhealthy comparisons, especially within goal-orientated families. Panellist, Danielle Johnson shared her experience studying alongside her mother at university, describing it as more collaborative than competitive.

“At the end of the day,” she said, “I aim to be a better version of myself rather than compare myself to others.”

Reverend Johnson offered wisdom on safeguarding mental health amid life’s pressures and also highlighted the importance of each family member having alone time to rejuvenate and the need to support this activity as a family unit.

 “Peace begins with the mind and extends to the home, the church, and the community,” he stated. He also pointed out the need for leaders and families to guard against external stress infiltrating their inner sanctum. Taking vacations, enjoying family meals, and maintaining a tranquil environment were highlighted as strategies for mental well-being.

From playful moments like family games nights during the pandemic, to adapting to societal changes such as social media use, the discussions underscored the importance of flexibility in navigating challenges. “Even in tough times,” Danielle Johnson said, “those shared moments of laughter and support bring us closer and keep us grounded.”

Leesa Kow, managing director of JN Bank, who welcomed participants at the session, urged parents to consider how they could nurture their children’s ambitions, while children were encouraged to reflect on how they could uplift their parents and siblings.

“In each of our families, it is very important that we find out what our ambitions and aspirations are and work together as a team to ensure that no dream gets left behind,” she said. Drawing on Jamaican proverbs such as “One han’ cyah clap” and “No man is an island,” she reminded participants of the value of collaboration in achieving success.

Miss Kow said the JN Group, through its JN Foundation, underscored its commitment to empowering families as part of its People First strategic pillar. “Families are not only central to our communities but also to our success as an organisation,” she shared. “When families grow and thrive, we all succeed.”

She said this commitment to family support is reflected in JN Group’s decades-long investment in programmes that uplift families through education, community development, and social empowerment.

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.

Driven by a passion for aviation and a love for tackling complex processes, JN Scholar, Khalil Mair sees his recent academic success as a launching pad to his dream of one day having a high-flying military career.

The 2024 JN Foundation PEP scholar for St Andrew, said he is looking to become a military pilot, a profession that requires a blend of both intellect and adeptness while on the frontline of defence and national security.

“I’ve been fascinated with planes and flying from I was very young- around age five,” the Dunrobin Primary past-student shared.

Khalil, now a first former at Campion College in St Andrew, said he has started attending meetings of the aeronautics club at his new school, to broaden his knowledge of aviation and connect with others who share a common interest.

“So far we’ve only had one meeting and it was really interesting because I learned things that I never knew before and that information will also help me when I get to third form and start doing subjects like physics,” he said.

The ‘Campionite’ said he enjoys mathematics, the sciences and French. He also enjoys running.

“In primary school during grade five, our coach decided to start a track team because there wasn’t one there and I was really interested, so I joined and trained for a while. It was really challenging and hard, but it was something that I really liked, and I think I can excel in it and be good in it if I practice more. I have already started the track programme at Campion,” he said. 

Khalil was among 37 scholarship recipients who were recognised for their PEP achievements at the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship awards reception held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on October 6. His outstanding performance in the Primary Exit Profile, known in short as PEP, led to his selection as the JN Scholar for St Andrew, and he was awarded a five-year scholarship.

“I was very excited, and I felt very proud of myself that I was able to get it and also that I was the one who got the highest score out of all the scholars in the room. The scholarship will really help my father and my mother with my educational expenses,” he shared.

Courtney Mair, Khalil’s father, said both he and Khalil’s mother are grateful to the JN Foundation for providing the scholarship, which will also serve as a start for their son’s college fund.

Mr Mair, who is an entrepreneur and Kingston College old boy, said his son, the youngest of his three children, has always been doing well, earning the top boy spot in every grade at Dunrobin Primary. He also has two daughters who he said adores their little brother.

“He just keeps on excelling and when I saw he passed for Campion, I cried because I know what it takes to go to Campion. I’ve heard stories, so I knew he did exceptionally well,” Mr Mair said adding that “he loves school and even when it rains or he’s sick, he wants to go and I don’t think it’s to play.”

He said going forward he will be encouraging his son to read more and give less attention to his phone. As for Khalil’s career goal to be a fighter pilot, Mr Mair said he supports it.

“I really encourage him to go after what he wants and if he changes his mind, so be it because we know things can change after a while. But that’s what he wants and whatever support we can provide him, we will do whatever it takes to get it to him,” he said.

Expressing a similar sentiment, Khalil’s mother, Tracey-Ann Hendricks, an Assistant Teacher at Rainbow Land Nursery School in Kingston, said she’s also proud of her son’s accomplishments and is looking forward to him building on his academic successes and going after his interests.

“Campion was his first choice and when he passed, I said ‘Yay!’ because I had actually written it down that I wanted him to pass for Campion. When I got the call that he was also selected for a JN Foundation scholarship, I was shocked but excited and proud at the same time, and I said this is a really big thing for him because it will help him out so much with school,” she said.

“He’s a very smart, fun loving and kind person. Khalil loves to do his work and does not like anyone interfering in his work. He will definitely work hard for what he wants,” she added.

Financial education consultant at the JN Foundation, Rose Miller, says managing personal finances has become more crucial than ever given the existing financial environment. According to recent media reports quoting a report by the Bank of Jamaica, more Jamaicans are falling behind on their regular monthly payments on loans.

The reports noted that past-due loans, which are loans on which the borrower has made no payment between 30 and 89 days, rose 32.1 per cent at deposit-taking institutions as at the end of fiscal year ending March 2024, over the previous year ending March 2023.

Pointing to the various common forms of debt people carry, including credit card debt, student loans, consumer loans and mortgages, Mrs Miller advises that persons overwhelmed by debt should follow these five steps to help them regain control of their financial health.

1. Assess Your Current Debts – Before you can tackle debt, you need a clear picture of what you owe. Start by listing all debts, credit cards, personal and student loans, and any other loans, including any ad hoc or informal loans. It’s important to note the balance on each, interest rates, if applicable and minimum monthly payments for each debt.  The purpose is to get a good understanding of how much you owe.
2. Create a Repayment Plan – Understanding your debt landscape will enable you to take the next step, which is to develop a repayment plan. This involves deciding how much you can realistically pay toward your debt each month; the best way to achieve this figure is to create a budget. One popular debt management strategy is to allocate extra funds toward clearing the debt with the highest interest rate first (the “debt avalanche” method), or putting these extra funds towards clearing the smallest debt first (the “debt snowball” method). Both methods have their benefits: the avalanche method saves more on interest, while the snowball method can provide psychological wins by eliminating smaller debts quickly.
3. Negotiate with Creditors – If you’re struggling to keep up with payments, it’s worth reaching out to your creditors to negotiate better terms. Many lenders are open to offering reduced interest rates, extended repayment periods, or even settling for a lower amount than the original debt. This can make monthly payments more manageable and prevent accounts from going into default, a situation that would adversely affect your creditworthiness.
4. Consider Consolidating Your Loans – Consolidating your debts by rolling them into a single loan will simplify repayment and enable the debtor to gradually regain control of their finances and improve their financial well-being. Almost all deposit-taking institutions offer a consolidated loan. Shop around to identify the one that will provide you with the best terms and conditions.
5. Build an Emergency Fund – Be intentional about not getting into further debt.  Establishing an emergency fund can assist in this regard.  This will enable you to take care of some emergencies without the need for additional loans. 

Effectively managing debt takes discipline and grit but the benefits, such as preserving your creditworthiness, enjoying peace-of-mind, physical and psychological wellbeing, plus the prospect of financial security, make the sacrifice worthwhile. 

Manchester’s JN PEP Scholar, Tami-Ann Clarke, Sets Her Path

Twelve-year-old JN PEP Scholar for the parish of Manchester, Tami-Ann Clarke is a young girl with big dreams. The Manchester High School student is hoping to one day become a doctor so that she can care for those who are ill.

Already she is charting her path to attaining that career goal as she was recently selected as a JN Primary Exit Profile (PEP) Scholar after receiving a score of 384. 6 out of 400 in the PEP exams.

For Tami-Ann and her mother, Toyeisha Maxwell, the day the scholarship announcement arrived marked more than a milestone. It was a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and an unyielding bond.

Described by her mother as a vibrant and focused child, Tami-Ann recalled feeling both surprised and overjoyed when she got the news that she was selected as a JN PEP Scholar.

 “I felt really happy and shocked at the same time,” she said, her voice bubbling with excitement. The scholarship has opened a door for her, easing the financial strain and bringing her closer to fulfilling her aspiration to become a doctor.

For as long as she can remember, academic excellence has been a priority. From the early days of infant school, where she often topped her class, to excelling in the PEP exam, her focus has been unwavering. Her favourite subject, mathematics, is not just an academic pursuit for her; it’s a passion she believes will help her navigate life.

“I love how math can be used in so many ways to help you,” she explained, her enthusiasm evident.

Behind her achievements stands her mother, a single parent whose dedication has been crucial to her daughter’s success. “From the moment I heard she was selected; I was filled with joy. God answered my prayer,” her mother said, her voice thick with pride and relief.

Raising a focused child has been both challenging and rewarding, Miss Maxwell shared. The mother-daughter duo faced the hurdles together, sometimes sacrificing leisure for study, yet never losing sight of what mattered most. Their Seventh-day Adventist faith became a cornerstone in their journey, guiding decisions about weekend study sessions and instilling a sense of purpose.

When asked about the qualities that have driven her daughter to excel, her mother shared, “Tami-Ann is very focused and intelligent. She can sit with her books for hours, studying without distraction.”

For her, this scholarship is a confirmation of the sacrifices made, the late-night study sessions, and the determination to give her daughter the best.

Notaly Powell, Grade 6 teacher at Christiana Leased Primary and Infant School, who Tami-Ann credits for her success, expressed that her former student’s achievement came as no surprise.

“Tami-Ann demonstrates a remarkable level of maturity and serves as a positive role model for her peers,” Miss Powell shared. “She is driven and knows exactly what she wants, always working diligently toward her goals. Beyond her academic strengths, she is also active in extracurricular activities, participating in sports and the Jamaica Moves club. Tami-Ann is truly an intrinsically motivated student.”

Tami-Ann is determined to inspire other students. “Stay focused and don’t pressure yourself too hard,” she advises other children. “Take breaks and remember to do your best without overwhelming yourself.”

As the family prepares for the exciting journey ahead, this scholarship is more than a financial boost; it’s a reminder of the strength in family, faith, and hard work.

A total of 47 scholarships were awarded by the JN Foundation. 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.

Financial education consultant at the JN Foundation, Rose Miller, says managing personal finances has become more crucial than ever given the existing financial environment. According to recent media reports quoting a report by the Bank of Jamaica, more Jamaicans are falling behind on their regular monthly payments on loans.

The reports noted that past-due loans, which are loans on which the borrower has made no payment between 30 and 89 days, rose 32.1 per cent at deposit-taking institutions as at the end of fiscal year ending March 2024, over the previous year ending March 2023.

Pointing to the various common forms of debt people carry, including credit card debt, student loans, consumer loans and mortgages, Mrs Miller advises that persons overwhelmed by debt should follow these five steps to help them regain control of their financial health.

1. Assess Your Current Debts

Before you can tackle debt, you need a clear picture of what you owe. Start by listing all debts, credit cards, personal and student loans, and any other loans, including any ad hoc or informal loans. It’s important to note the balance on each, interest rates, if applicable and minimum monthly payments for each debt.  The purpose is to get a good understanding of how much you owe.

2. Create a Repayment Plan

Understanding your debt landscape will enable you to take the next step, which is to develop a repayment plan. This involves deciding how much you can realistically pay toward your debt each month; the best way to achieve this figure is to create a budget. One popular debt management strategy is to allocate extra funds toward clearing the debt with the highest interest rate first (the “debt avalanche” method), or putting these extra funds towards clearing the smallest debt first (the “debt snowball” method). Both methods have their benefits: the avalanche method saves more on interest, while the snowball method can provide psychological wins by eliminating smaller debts quickly.

3. Negotiate with Creditors

If you’re struggling to keep up with payments, it’s worth reaching out to your creditors to negotiate better terms. Many lenders are open to offering reduced interest rates, extended repayment periods, or even settling for a lower amount than the original debt. This can make monthly payments more manageable and prevent accounts from going into default, a situation that would adversely affect your creditworthiness.

4. Consider Consolidating Your Loans

Consolidating your debts by rolling them into a single loan will simplify repayment and enable the debtor to gradually regain control of their finances and improve their financial well-being. Almost all deposit-taking institutions offer a consolidated loan. Shop around to identify the one that will provide you with the best terms and conditions.

5. Build an Emergency Fund

Be intentional about not getting into further debt.  Establishing an emergency fund can assist in this regard.  This will enable you to take care of some emergencies without the need for additional loans. 

Effectively managing debt takes discipline and grit but the benefits, such as preserving your creditworthiness, enjoying peace-of-mind, physical and psychological wellbeing, plus the prospect of financial security, make the sacrifice worthwhile.