Partnerships Vital to Uplift the Youth – Education Minister

Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, says to uplift the nation’s youth, partnerships with organizations such as the Kiwanis Clubs, are “absolutely vital”, and urged more groupings to come forward and give their support.

The Minister said that while the State can take a leading role, it is almost impossible for Government to do all that needs to be done for the development of the nation.

“We are therefore convinced that all benefits will be encouraged by partnerships, particularly those that have the strong moral and utilitarian ideals of the Kiwanis Movement,” Rev. Thwaites added.

The Minister was delivering the main address at the Youth Awards ceremony of the Kiwanis Clubs of Division 25, held at the Montego Bay High School in St. James, on January 21.

Rev. Thwaites said that the extracurricular life of the young people, through the Kiwanis Movement, is a very important aspect of their education and encouraged students to recognise how fortunate they are to have that type of association and opportunity to serve others.

“I want to congratulate the Kiwanis Clubs of Jamaica on your motto and vision of changing the world, one child and one community at a time,” the Minister said.

A proclamation from Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, was read by  President of the Lay Magistrates’ Association, St. James Chapter, Claudette Bryan, declaring  January 21  as International Kiwanis Day in Jamaica.