VPA Chairman Urges Increased Mentorship Initiatives for Jamaica’s Youth

Chairman of the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA), Dr. Elizabeth Ward, is urging corporate Jamaica, religious organization, and other social groups, to begin undertaking sustained mentorship initiatives that will positively transform the lives of Jamaican children, particularly those residing in troubled communities.
Dr. Ward was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Kingston and St. Andrew Cricket Association (KSACA) Annual Cricket Camp, on Thursday July 31 at one of six “Unity Across Communities” summer camps, coordinated by the Kingston and St. Andrew Action Forum (KSAAF). The camp hosted over 35 young people from communities in the Kingston Western Police Division and its environs, an area chosen due to the high level of violence existing in that section of the Corporate Area, as well as the relationship that has been forged with citizens.
Dr. Ward highlighted the need for more initiatives, catering to the growth and development of the youth, particularly those in troubled communities.
“We have been supporting structured supervised activities for children, especially for male children, because we know that keeping kids busy, keeps them out of trouble. And also, if they learn a skill, (or) enjoy doing sports, they are more likely to contribute to community development, and build unity in the community,” she said.
The VPA, which is based at University of the West Indies, was one of several entities collaborating with the KSAAF to host the camp.
Camp Coordinator and member of the Kingston and St. Andrew Cricket Association, Joseph Salmon, in his overview of the camp’s activities, lauded the support of the KSAAF, which he said was integral in securing corporate sponsorship for the three-week camp, which hosted children from communities such as Whitfield, Payne Land, Red Hills, and the adjacent Maxfield Park Children’s Home.
While lamenting the devastating impact that poor parenting had on the lives of children, Mr. Salmon noted that the camp had been a “plus for children living in the inner cities.” He pointed out, that among the successes coming out of the camp, now in its fourteenth year, was Ashan Plummer, a former KSACA camper, a current member of Jamaica’s Under 17 cricket team.
“We have trained a lot of cricketers, who have moved on to higher level. We are proud today, as Horace Miller was selected for the Under 19 Squad, based on his performance in the annual KSACA summer camp,” he added.
Mr. Salmon also praised the KSAAF for introducing other vital components to the sports camp, all aimed at enabling the personal development of the participants. Along with basic cricket training, the three week camp also featured presentations on conflict resolution, civic pride, health, the importance of self esteem, and other aspects of personal development.
Participants were also exposed to diagnostic reading, and taught basic mechanical skills at the Jamaica German Automotive School (JAGAS). Presenters included representatives from the VPA, Peace Management Initiative (PMI), Transformation Unit of the Ministry of Education, and Healthy Lifestyle Project of the Ministry of Health and Environment.
Mr. Salmon lauded the presentations by members of the Healthy Lifestyle Project, noting that they were well received by the participants. “The Healthy Lifestyle team gave good presentations, and after they left, there were repeat requests for this team, as their presentations generated much discussion and were well received by the boys,” he informed.
Camperdown High School student and member of the Kingston and St. Andrew Cricket Club, Kevin Brown, expressed delight in the outcome of the camp. “The camp was great; we learnt a little more about the fielding and batting practice, and were introduced to elements of the sport,” he said.
He too, said he enjoyed the presentations of the Healthy Lifestyle Project, adding that, “these talks contributed greatly to my development, as I did not know that people that weren’t slim, could get heart attack and that smoking was bad for your health.”
The camp was a collaborative effort of the Kingston and St. Andrew Action Forum, the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), the Ministry of Health and Environment, the Ministry of Education, the Violence Prevention Alliance, and Food for the Poor, who provided refreshments for the participants.
Other camps are being held in Arnett Gardens and Torrington Park, and at the Alpha Boys Home, Boys Town, and Donald Quarrie High School.