Students to Take Part in Youth Forum on November 1

Over 200 high school students from St. Catherine, St. Thomas, Kingston and St. Andrew, ranging from 14 to 18 years, are expected to participate in the National Child Month Committee (NCMC) annual Youth Forum, scheduled for Friday, November 1, at the St. Andrew Parish Church.

The forum is one of several activities organised by the NCMC to observe Child Month in November. The NCMC, which was formed in 1953, brings together a number of agencies working with, and on behalf of children, in an effort to focus on their needs, and heighten public awareness on the relevant issues affecting the nation’s children.

This year’s forum, which will be held under the theme: ‘Children’s Care and Protection: A Fi Wi Mission’, will see participants from four high schools making presentations on the various opportunities for the care and protection of children, provided by parents, schools, the community and the State.

Students from Ardenne High School will make a presentation on ‘Care and Protection provided by Parent’; Morant Bay High students will focus on ‘Care and Protection provided by Schools’. Presentations from Bridgeport and Papine High Schools will focus on ‘Care and Protection provided by Community’ and ‘Care and Protection provided by the State’, respectively.

“The forum is geared towards empowering children by encouraging them to express their ideas about issues that affect them.  An environment is created for children to learn about their rights and responsibilities and also how to overcome challenges that impede their success. It is an educational, high spirited and entertaining event, which all schools see as a privilege to attend,” Chair of the NCMC, Dr. Pauline Mullings, told the JIS News.

“We are cognisant of changing behavioural patterns and methods of communication and the NCMC has, throughout the years, utilised a variety of formats when organising the forum, which is based on a carefully selected theme for the year.  This is in order to maximise interaction and positively influence the students in attendance,” Dr. Mullings said.

Exhibits have always been integral in the hosting of the forum each year and this year, entities with responsibility for the care and protection of the nation’s children, such as the Child Development Agency and Office of the Children’s Registry are on board to host displays. The Institute of Jamaica and its several museum arms are also expected to host exhibits this year. In addition, the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica will make a media presentation on the ‘Digital Future’.

Minister of Education,  Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, is scheduled to bring greetings while Child Rights Associate of the Caribbean Child Development Centre, Mrs. Heather Gallimore, will be the guest speaker.