FORTY-NINE RESIDENTS of some of the most notoriously volatile inner-city communities in Kingston, yesterday beamed with pride as they graduated from the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce's (JCC) youth leadership training programme.
The programme lasted for six weeks and was aimed at teaching participants
conflict resolution techniques, entrepreneurial skills, family values, among other things.
Participants were from communities such as Arnett Gardens, Denham Town, Dunkirk and Tivoli Gardens. Ten police officers also participated in the programme.
The graduation ceremony was held at the JCC's office in downtown Kingston.
The JCC training programme was run in conjunction with the University College of the Caribbean (UCC).
TOP PERFORMERS
Trish Steger, executive director of the UCC Foundation in the United States, yesterday presented the top male performer, Fenton Plummer, and the top female performer, Sashana Jarrett, with scholarships to pursue the diploma programme of their choice at the college.
Opposition Leader Bruce Golding was the guest speaker at the graduation. He commended the graduates for getting involved in the programme. "Nobody forced you to do it. You all saw it as an opportunity for self-development," he said. Mr. Golding warned the graduates that they would face several challenges as they returned to their communities, but urged them to do all they can to uplift others.
Sameer Younis, chairman of the JCC's inner-city development committee, also urged the graduates to share what they had learnt.
"Teach the children in your community. The three- and four-year-olds. Share what you learned and guide them," he said.
