Mentorship Academy Unveiled

The inaugural Jamaica Diaspora Mentorship Academy (JDMA) was officially unveiled on June 19, on the final day of the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.

The initiative is the brainchild of Global Jamaica Diaspora Council member and Education Sector Leader, Dr. Sandra Colly Durand, and is supported by the Ministry of Education and Youth.

It aims to foster the next generation of Jamaican leaders, through dedicated mentorship and professional development opportunities.

The JDMA, under the banner ‘Jamaica Diaspora Empowers Tomorrow One Mentee at a Time’, seeks to bridge the gap between seasoned Diaspora professionals and budding talents in Jamaica.

In her remarks at the unveiling of the initiative, Dr. Colly Durand expressed her passion for the project, while emphasizing its role in leveraging expertise from abroad, to benefit Jamaican students.

“This initiative is about paying it forward, we are not asking for money, just the sharing of expertise to empower Jamaican youth,” she stated. Initially envisioned to engage 62 mentors and an equal number of mentees in honour of Jamaica’s 62nd Independence anniversary, the JDMA has already surpassed expectations, with 91 mentors volunteering.

Dr. Colly Durand said she is expecting a rapid expansion, with an aim to reach over 200 mentees within the year.

She also anticipates that mentees who migrate, will become mentors themselves within five years.

The academy’s objectives are to cultivate skills, expand networks, and provide invaluable insights across various fields crucial for personal and professional growth.

Mentees will benefit from tailored mentorship experiences aligned with their career aspirations, while mentors will contribute directly to Jamaica’s socio-economic development.

“The JDMA is excited to harness the expertise and passion of the Diaspora community to empower and develop young Jamaicans,” Dr. Colly Durand stated.

The official launch of the JDMA is scheduled for September 2024, marking a new chapter in mentorship and educational advancement in Jamaica. For more information about the Jamaica Diaspora Mentorship Academy, persons may send an email to gjdceducation@gmail.com.