Petrina Francis, Education Reporter
IN A special effort to assist with the reduction of the crime and violence that is plaguing the society, the Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of St. Andrew North, launched the Area Four Police Civic Committee Education Trust Fund on Monday night.
The fund will provide scholarships for needy children who are in the 'high risk' age group of 12-18 years.
"The Rotary Club of St. Andrew North recognises the need to save our children from falling victims to crime and violence in our city," read a statement from Wayne Wray, newly installed president of the club.
Mr. Wray said that the Rotary Club has joined with other private sector entities to save vulnerable children by offering them an opportunity to be educated and become productive citizens of Jamaica.
Henry Pratt, sub-committee chair for the education trust at JBA, who was representing William Clarke, said his organisation regards the children of Area Four as an integral part of the society.
The JBA has sponsored $1.8 million to the fund and the Rotary Club of St. Andrew North has pledged to raise $1.5 million.
COMMITMENT TO YOUTH
Mr. Pratt noted that the company's contribution was a demonstration of its commitment to the youth of Jamaica. He said if a country is to achieve success in the fight against crime, there has to be a relationship between the police and the community.
He was speaking at the Rotary Club of St. Andrew North installation ceremony. This was held at the Hilton Hotel in New Kingston.
Mr. Pratt charged the Rotarians to "support the work of the security forces, so that the duty of the police may be discharged at the highest level of professionalism."
Ferris Ziadie, chairman of the Area Four Police Civic community, lauded the fund, noting that it gave the police the opportunity to go into the communities to offer the youth an opportunity. He said the fund would only accommodate 75 children, but he is anticipating that it will be increased by 250 next year.
The chairman said that the area was a difficult one for the police, as it has high levels of unemployment, which is a fertile ground for criminal activities.
Area Four encompasses all of Kingston and lower St. Andrew with the exception of the Constant Spring and Stony Hill area.
