JIS Hosts Career Day at Mount Olivet

KINGSTON — The Mount Olivet Boys' Home was abuzz with activity recently, when the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) hosted a career day at the Manchester-based home.

On hand were representatives of a number of organisations and agencies, and experts in a range of fields, who engaged the boys in discussion on various career paths, with some incorporating video clips of their work.

Among the agencies represented were the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Caribbean Airlines, Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), and HEART Trust/NTA.

Journalist and Communication Specialist, Naomi Francis, who came out to support the initiative, spoke about the importance of conflict resolution.  “How you deal with conflicts shape your character and make you men of integrity,” she told the boys.

Director of Communications at the JUTC, Reginald Allen, said he was inspired by the work the JIS was doing at the home. “I did not expect that level of organisation. It is a very well organized and implemented project (by the JIS). It was awesome to have those persons represented from various career fields, and it inspired me to lift my game,” he said.

Director of the Boys’ Home, Sonia Lowe, said the boys “had a fantastic day”.

She noted that the career day theme was “really important to them and we look forward to having another one in a year or two when the younger boys are a little older."

She further extended appreciation to the JIS for its support to the facility over the past two years. “Without the JIS and the donations received, we would not have been able to manage this year. We want to extend our thanks to everybody who contributed to making their back to school period smooth,” she said.

The JIS adopted the home in 2009 and has been making frequent visits each year to mentor the boys, plan fun activities with them, and take along donations received from individuals and corporate Jamaica.

The support has been overwhelming, and has made a major difference in the lives of the boys.

By Christine Ade-Gold, JIS Special Projects/PR Assistant