Students to Benefit from PACE

Students of 300 early-childhood institutions and primary schools across Jamaica will benefit from PACE – Positive Attitudes, Courtesies and Ethics – over the next six to 18 months.

An initiative of the Kiwanis Clubs in Jamaica, PACE aims to encourage positive values, attitudes, courtesies and a strong sense of pride among children and youth.

PACE will focus on 20 values and attitudes, namely, gratitude, kindness, gentleness, compassion, empathy, patriotism, honesty and truthfulness, peace, love, thoughtfulness, friendship, trust, teamwork, respect, integrity, tolerance, inclusiveness, punctuality, discipline and good work ethics.

Addressing Tuesday’s (February 6) launch, held at Our Lady of the Angels Preparatory School in Kingston, Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, said the initiative captures much of what the Ministry is aiming to do through the Character Education and Civics in Schools programme.

“It is also quite fortuitous that this is being spearheaded by the Kiwanis Clubs. As you know, Kiwanians have a strong presence in our society and have made significant contributions in the areas of health, youth development and various community service projects and initiatives. Kiwanis Clubs have made contributions in support of education in the form of literacy initiatives, scholarships, donations and access to learning resources,” Mrs. Williams said.

She expressed gratitude to the Kiwanis Clubs in Jamaica, noting that she is delighted that it will benefit 300 schools.

“I am happy that it will be evaluated to see the impact of the programme, but to also allow you to make any changes that are necessary,” Mrs. Williams said.

Citing the 20 values and attitudes of PACE, Kiwanis Governor for Eastern Canada and the Caribbean, John Chave, reasoned that if more people adopted them, the “world would be a much better place to live”.

“My congratulations go out to the Kiwanis Clubs in Jamaica for this absolutely wonderful, timely and important initiative,” Mr. Chave said.

For her part, Principal, Marcia Meredith, said the 63-year-old institution continues to operate on the value system of its founding fathers.

Mrs. Meredith noted that the value system runs parallel to the goals of PACE and will groom students to become nation-builders.

“Wherever in the world they go, the life that they lead, live and exemplify will be a testament of the foundation that was laid,” she said.

PACE was also endorsed by Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison and President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Metry Seaga.

PACE will be implemented through a toolkit of fun-filled and exciting activities developed by Kiwanis.

The learning and educational tools and activities will be used by parents, teachers and in the Kiwanis Builders and K-Clubs in schools to create a better appreciation of the importance of values and attitudes and the desire to embrace them among children.

It will be funded by Kiwanis Clubs internally and externally by partnerships with, or sponsorship from government ministries and agencies, the private sector, international development partners, philanthropists and other interested stakeholders.