|
|
|
Life Builders Young Men's Ministries
Update: Friends of Jamaica recently donated $200
worth of sports equipment for their sports program.
This donation helps keep the young men of Central
Village engaged in the Program with positive
activities. I was contacted in 2006 by Chris Pierre, a teacher at the Salvation Army School for the Blind in Kingston. He requested assistance from FOJ with a project to benefit young men in Spanish Town on the East end of the Island. Chris and I met on one of my trips to Kingston for Neonatal Resuscitation classes, and I was impressed with his determination, dedication and personal sacrifice for the young men the program was to benefit. I had assembled a small, basic first aid kit from donated medical supplies, which he had requested for use during sports activities. His gratitude and enthusiasm overwhelmed me, and I was confident that he was committed to this project. FOJ donated $1,000 to purchase a container to house the homework/computer center that would become the centerpiece of the project. Chris worked hard to get the discounts needed to purchase the container for $1000. Soon he was sending pictures of the progress. The foundation was made and the container moved into place.
A door and windows were made, and then drywall was needed. Another $500 donation from FOJ was made to purchase drywall, and soon, the homework/computer center was ready.
The following report on the Summer Camp sponsored by this project, written by Chris Pierre, is a very interesting and inspirational read. It is fairly lengthy, but I assure you, it will hold your interest. I hope it inspires you as it did me, and that you will feel moved to make a donation to continue to outfit this homework/computer center. LIFE BUILDERS MEN’S MINISTRIES
CENTRAL VILLAGE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF GOD.Big Lane, Central Village, St. Catherine.
Young Men Summer Camp 2006 Report
Aim The main purpose of this Summer Programme is to assist our young men (primarily) to learn how to grow Mentally, Spiritually, Socially, Morally, Educationally and Physically. The need arise for action between the church and the community to improve the social, educational and other aspects of the lives of our vulnerable. (Young) Within this community our young men and women are being used as gun- carriers, with several evidences of teenage pregnancy and several abuse (physically/orally) The level of literacy is very low, thus their self esteem. There is the need to expose our children to many of historic educational and recreational sites within our country. Creating a level of decency and tolerance among faction (gang) and to reduce the gang’s effort in recruiting young men. Reducing violence within the community of Big Lane and other nearby communities. (Vehicle of positive change) Objective and Purpose 1.To assist at least 100 young men from the immediate (Big Lane) this includes Detroit, West Side, Little Lane, Spaulding Gardens and other surrounding communities, to improve/expose in Language Arts skills, Mathematics, Art & Craft, Computer Technology skills, Field Trip, Hiking, Fishing and Social Skills, 2. To introduce our young men to a Mentorship and Counseling Programme. 3. To expose our young men to Different Societies and Cultural Positive Norms. Example: Modern Etiquette, decorum and improved hygiene, 4. Introduction of Conflict and Dispute Resolution Techniques/Role play 5. Encourage greater Team Building /Collaborative /Cooperative Learning and group skills among men. (Primarily) Example: Fishing and Hiking etc. 6. Encourage greater Socialization among children of different background/ Environment, using Sports as the vehicle. (Football, Volleyball, Netball, Chess, Basketball, Cricket. (In door and out door games etc.) 7. Encourage a General Holistic Approach to make a positive change in the lives of our young men (primarily) Background The Central Village (Big Lane) community, over a period of time, has seen violence among the young men of the same community against each other, (Young men within the same or almost close proximity. Lane separate them) conflict that has left several people dead, some innocent victims as well as perpetrators of violence. The area has produce some noble young men and women but a lot of persons still lived in poverty. Teenage pregnancy and drug abuse are prevalent, which give way for persons to be affected with STIs. The only sound functional socializing agents are the churches within this community. (Mainly: Seventh Day Adventist and the New Testament Church of God.) Last year, the Life Builders Men’s Ministries Department of the Central Village New Testament Church of God in association with Tank Weld Fabrication and the Member of Parliament (and other sponsors) presented for the very FIRST time a summer camp for young men ages 9-18. We had a focus group of near sixty (60) young men for two (2) weeks FREE of cost, where they were expose to several projects. Example: Focus group counseling and individual counseling done by trained councilors and physiologists from the office of the PMI (Peace Management Initiative). They were also expose to Skills Training in Language Arts, Mathematics, Computer Technology, Art and Craft, Music and Drama skills. With all of these, children were expose to sports and games of all kinds. We had motivational speakers from the International Life Builders Men’s Ministries- President- Jamaica and Grand Cayman and others. We also had speakers from Heart Trust NTA, JCDC, Red Cross Society and Dispute Resolution Foundation. However, because of the overwhelming success and the tremendous demand for this programme we have increase the maximum age to 20. Please note, this programme started last year in our Summer Camp but it was ongoing for all these months with follow-up programmes at José Marti High School and at the church. (Some of our students, who got support from this programme, sat the CXC exam June this year.) General Daily Activities The children will be exposed to:
Inside the Daily Activities (Highlights) Monday July 17, 2006 It was considered that the first day should be so structured like an orientation day. (Getting to know each other) The Red Cross Society came and dealt with topic: HIV AIDS/Sexuality/Etiquette/Life Skills. Language Arts and Mathematics (basic literacy Skills) was part of our core activities each day, of which we saw the need to address the low levels of literacy within the community base on our survey last year and this year. For the first day we had over 53 in attendance. (Over 300% from last year) Paraphrasing ‘Students remarked that this was a very good presentation, it allowed them to learn more about HIV-Aids’ Tuesday July 18, 2006 This day was very well organized as part of an early intervention in the camp. We expose them early to mentorship and a motivational speaker, to let them recognize and discover the importance of staying focused. (Good Values and Attitudes) Science and Designing was introduced after which we had our motivational speaker Mr. Garfield Ellis. This was tremendous. Meeting with the children, he was amazed. The children were also amazed to know that somebody like him grew up in the same community and was able to achieve so many things that he has achieved. One of the eighteen years old said “he was motivated to pursue his dreams”. Even one of the coordinators going to the upper levels at high school was motivated to work hard. It was amazing - the tremendous attention he was given. They listened attentively. (As a poet, I think that was the skill he used - they were so quiet when he quoted parts of his book to them.) Wednesday July 19, 2006 On this day we had Computer Technology. The idea behind this is that our children should be computer literate, because the world is changing and this is a technological age. Furthermore, most of these kids have never been on a computer before, hence this was an adventure for them - exposing them to this subject. The senior young men also will be doing CXC Exam in 2007. Therefore, we wanted to facilitate some form of skill in this field for Data Processing Skills and preparing them to be able to prepare their school base assessment (SBA) properly. However, we were not able to get enough computers for our computer class. (We had only four (4) computers to assist at least eighty (80) young men on that day) Even though this was not adequate we made the best of it. Students were able to have some amount of hands-on skill. Thursday July 20, 2006 On this day we had the PMI (Peace Management Initiative) who have been a part of our ongoing programme. They presented their programme, which was very good. The campers were asked to be involved doing role play and art work to demonstrate violence prevention and peacemaker roles within the community. Topics that were dealt with were for example: Building relationship across communities and working with the police to solve community problems or conflicts. The Peace Management Initiative is an intervention organization to assist communities with conflicts. (Even these young men are involved in conflicts from time to time at school and even at home, so this was a good strategy to assist these young men to deal with conflicts. Friday July 21, 2006 We decided to have this day as a very relaxing day for our camper, using Art and Craft. This once again this was welcomed with excellent reception from our campers. Campers were asked to exhale and do whatever comes on their mind. With this, we had some excellent pieces from our campers. At least one (1) of our campers will be doing Art or Designing Art or Architectural Drawing as career. Saturday July 22, 2006 This day was one the most enjoyable, challenging, exciting for campers, coordinators, teachers and even parents who assist us on the journey - to do fishing by the Rio Cobra River. As was mentioned before, we wanted our campers to learn team work, cooperative learning, collaborative learning and group work. They were organized in houses to facilitate the easy running of the camps in sports and other activities. They were able to learn how to respect their peers who were elected by them to be the leaders of the various houses which they were assigned. This was a teaching and learning experience for most of the kids. How to fish, fixing hooks on fish line/s this was a very exciting time because we had to fix these before we journeyed out. However, we only catch two (2) fishes one big and a small one. (The small one was placed back in the river.) At the end of the day, campers wanted to go back to do fishing for almost every day after that, which was not possible. This was primarily because they enjoyed themselves so much. This was a competition, as points were allotted to the houses that caught the most fish. Monday July 24, 2006 On this day we had the Police Relations Department who came. This was a very interesting day with the Police. Some were apprehensive but with care the ‘ice was broken’. Some even say they wanted to be policeman in the future. We also had the Dispute Resolution Foundation and this was a good session also. At the end of the session, they were asked to dramatize conflicts before and after. This was a very interesting activity that helps both teachers and campers. Tuesday July 25, 2006 This was a very interesting day for the campers; many did not know the different skills training that existed for young people to learn in Jamaica, or the basic requirements that were needed. They were directed to the various funding agencies that were available to assist young people get an education. They were shock to learn that aspects of the national training was done free of cost and that they would receive a stipend at the end of the day. Having Heart NTA to come in to deal with the problems of Skill Training within our community for young people as part of the camp was a very good idea and this will continue days to come. At least four (4) campers were able to fill out applications for this programme. This is a plus for the camp. This was not only a day for skills training but also a career forum, because some of our campers are also academically inclined. Wednesday July 26, 2006 This day we had cleaning /beatification and performing arts day. Within this community many of our young men can be seen dancing on the streets time and time again. So we decided to facilitate this kind of talent. Campers remarked, ‘We enjoyed ourselves very much’. Thursday July 27, 2006 This was the day everybody was longing… looking forwarded to. This is the day of the field trip to Montego Bay and the North Coast. Many campers lamented the fact that they had never gone outside of their parish, even some places within their parish. One of the methods employed by the coordinators of the camp was to assist them to learn while traveling to Montego Bay. They were asked to record the name(s) of important educational, recreational (beach) interesting site(s) and building, and to report back to the camp the next morning as recap. Points would be allotted to the house(s) that give the most information about the trip. This was a very good venture for everyone including the coordinators and even the bus drivers. We visited very important sites such as Sam Sharpe Square where we saw many monuments, statues and craft items at craft markets. We visited the Donald Sangsters International Airport. Many were visiting for the very first time - including teachers. This was a tremendous field trip. Many recalled seeing Ewarton Works (Bauxite Plant) Many were able to cross Flat Bridge for the very first time in their history. For us who planned, and the various funding agencies - this was touching to hear the campers saying these things. (Thanks in advance all the time) On this day, three buses transported us to Montego Bay. The number of campers and coordinators were about eighty two (82) Friday July 28, 2006 Once again on this day art was the feature. At the end of the camp, all Art and Craft produced was displayed. Campers worked very hard to ensure that they were able to present a piece of art work. Most of the young men responded very well to activity base programmes, which was the motive factor getting them to be involved. For the closing ceremony they had to rehearse songs, choral speaking, poems and other things. Councilors selected / Resource Personnel Trained teachers, Lectures and Volunteers from the community were used, along with those who have benefited from this programme previously. Resource personnel were also available on specific days for this programme. Example: A Computer Specialist from the community was available for the days when we had computer technology class. We had persons from the Business Community, Retired Principal, Police, Soldiers, Bankers and Sports personalities that have now migrated to other parts of the country, come back and gave mentorship and motivational talks as well as imparted technical skills to our sports programme. Example: Mr. Garfield Ellis. “Garfield Ellis was born in 1960, the eldest of nine children in Central Village, Jamaica. In his varied career he has worked as a marine engineering officer, as engineering supervisor in property management, as the marketing and placement director of the Jamaica Maritime Institute, and is now the Operations Manager at the Jamaica Observer. His first published collection of short stories, Flaming Hearts, and a later unpublished novel both won the Una Marson award. He has also won the Canute A Brodhurst prize for fiction and the 1990 Heineman/Lifestyle short story competition. The students were very attentive. Some wanted to be writers at the end of the session with Mr. Ellis, they were so highly motivated. This was one of the positives achieved from this camp. (This was deliberately planned as part of our mentorship and motivational programme for the summer camp) Organizations:
Councilors were selected on the basis of the age and experience, availability, level of educational background, location (from the community). For example: Some of our Resource persons/Lectures/Councilors were graduates of Teachers College /Level, Upper Form High School, and Graduates of University/Colleges. Persons who have had experiences in Social Work from the PMI other agencies. As per usual the children were given name tags of different colors with each color representing a house or age group. VOX BOX ‘Students’ ‘Mi glad mi get fi se Montego
Bay fi the first time’ ‘I learn how to go in the right
direction in life’
‘I meet friends and
participated in many activities’ ‘I gained more knowledge about
HIV-Aids’ ‘I was able to improve on my
reading ‘ ‘I enjoyed the food and learn
more about leadership’ ‘I want to go far and
stay…residential camp’ ‘Teachers’‘This was a very challenging
two weeks, but I was able to learn how to deal with
the bigger young men’ ‘Parents’ ‘You must have more of this; it
will help my son to read. And come to church, More
homework programme continue.’
‘I want to express thanks to Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), Tank Weld Fabrication, Member of Parliament and the other sponsors for giving us the opportunity to come to this summer camp. We learn many things, I for one; this was my first time going to Montego Bay, for this I thank you’. The Art and Craft sessions, Fishing, Field Trips Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Computer Class and Motivational Speakers. Our teachers were very courteous I learn many things. Sports for us were tremendous. I also learn to be a good leader. One of the most important things I learn was to meet friends and learn to socialized with my peers.
Evaluation This camp was very successful base on the various comments from the different groups, our community, from the wider society and from the campers themselves. Camp was tremendous - not because of the comments made - but also the response of campers; to take advantage of the opportunities it afforded them; to enhance themselves educationally, spiritually, morally, socially, physically - and in the future, financially. During one of the sessions, done by the Heart National Training Agency, at least four (4) campers signed application forms to be a part of the training in the various skills training. (Others are waiting on their results from CXC). Also, there were those who did not come to the summer camp who are now asking about the summer camp for next year (2007). There were also those who took application forms who are out of the age group of the summer (18-20) who wanted to attend Heart Training Programme. During our recaps every morning, campers were able tell us what they have learnt and their expectations for the sessions to come on that particular day. To teach new behaviors we decided to use this stimulant. Example: to come late on a Monday morning, this is five (5) push up’s, Tuesday ten (10) and so on. This was a good idea. Many turn up ontime after two or so days doing push up’s. We also rewarded those who came early with small gifts. We registered ninety nine (99) campers; on average present were eighty (80) campers for two weeks or eleven (11) days free of cost. This programme has been ongoing since last year and we will continue as such, to ensure that this cohort (young men ages18-20) remained focused with good values and attitudes. This programme was delivered in association with other sponsors. Example: Mr. Louis Aiken- Tank-weld Fabrication, Sharon Hay Webster- Member of Parliament for the constituency and others. On behalf of the campers, coordinators and teachers we want to express our sincere thanks to Jamaica Social Investment Fund JSIF (Inner City Basic Services Project) our main sponsor for their tremendous response and support financially and otherwise to this our second Life Builders Young Men’s Summer Camp. I want to express special thanks to the members of the Life Builders Men’s Ministries who gave tremendous support for this programme over the years, such as: Messers. Roger Bryce, Rohan Whyte, Omar Bunsie, Rev. Dwight Peccoo, Rev. Donald Reid, R. Davis, Floyd Wilson, Patrick Barrett and Edward Panther. Also the women who help, such as: Ms. Deidre Ann Powell, Mrs. Carlene Pierre, Ms. Sofia Stewart, Mrs. Jody Ann Panther, Ms. Dominique Findley, Ms. Taneisha Gayle, Ms. Lavern Lewis and Ms. Debbie Panther. I also want to make special recognition to Mrs. Yvonne Francis, Ms. Peta -Ann Morris and Mr. Dunstan Bryan on behalf of the Life Builders Men’s Ministries who assisted us in some amount of guidance to make this camp a SUCCESS! SUCCESS. Submitted by |
TOGETHER WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
