Photo Caption: Claudine Allen (second right), general manager of the JN Foundation presents a plaque to Charmaine McKenzie (centre), manager of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation Port Antonio branch after outfitting a computer laboratory with equipment. Sharing in the moment from left are Novlette Howell, executive director of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation; Anna-Kay Rodgers, immediate past president of the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter and Denise Treasure, president of the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter.
The capacity of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, located in Port Antonio, Portland, has been strengthened with a donation of computers and chairs to outfit its existing computer lab.
The donation was facilitated by the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter and financed by the JN Foundation to the tune of $1.5 million.
Prior to the donation, the centre had no computer equipment and students were only being taught the theories of information technology. The upgraded facility aims to empower young women with practical technological skills and foster opportunities for their advancement, particularly those who faced disruptions on their educational journey.
Novlette Howell, executive director of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the invaluable support provided by the JN Foundation and its commitment to empowering young mothers through education and vocational training.
Ms Howell, in her remarks at a handover ceremony at the centre recently, expressed gratitude for the donation and continued collaboration with the JN Circle Port Antonio and the JN Foundation.
“We are immensely grateful to the JN Circle and JN Foundation for recognising our needs and stepping in to provide these resources,” said Ms Howell. “This partnership is truly a reflection of the power of community and collaboration.”
“There’s no limit to what we can accomplish together. With partners like JN, we are confident that we can and will transform the lives of even more young mothers across Jamaica.”
She also underscored the ongoing partnership with the JN Foundation and disclosed that the Foundation has provided critical resources, including furniture, equipment, and other necessities, for the centre in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, and now Port Antonio.
Ms Howell proudly shared that the JN Foundation has not only supported the physical infrastructure of these centres but also contributed significantly to the development of educational programmes.
“In 2023, the JN Foundation donated $50,000 to our education and in-stream programme, which provides training, mentorship, and scholarships for our young mothers,” she noted.
Anna-Kay Rodgers, immediate past president of the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter, was excited that the project was completed successfully. “It is truly rewarding to see the smiles on the young ladies’ faces as they prepare to embark on this new chapter with the resources we’ve provided,” Rodgers said.
Ms Rodgers shared, “In 2023, when it was time for project selection, this initiative for the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation was voted as the top priority. We wanted to do something that would have a lasting impact on young women, providing them with the skills they need to succeed in today’s technology-driven world.”
She proudly stated, “We are thrilled to be a part of something that can make a real difference in the lives of young women in our community.” The successful completion of this project is not just a milestone for the JN Circle but a testament to the transformative power of collective action.”
A grateful Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, underscored that the partnership led to the initiative’s success. She acknowledged the contributions of the JN Circle members who identified the needs and worked with the JN Foundation to fill those gaps sustainably.
“This project represents an outcome of true partnership,” she noted, emphasising the foundation’s long-standing commitment to keeping communities at the heart of its development efforts.
She pointed out, however, that there is much more work to be done, signalling a continued focus on future partnerships and projects.
Ms Allen praised the Port Antonio chapter for their dedication and vision. “This is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose,” she remarked. “We are proud to support initiatives like this that empower individuals and uplift entire communities.”
Since its inception in 1978, the Women Centre of Jamaica Foundation has assisted more than 55,000 women, supporting them with resources and guidance to continue their education and personal development. Ms Howell said that the newly established computer lab will serve as a vital tool in this mission, offering courses in information technology to equip participants with essential digital skills for the modern workforce.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort by the JN Foundation and JN Circle chapters across Jamaica to identify and address pressing community needs.
