The graduating class of 2005 - data processing. - CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
OLD GOODYEAR FACTORY ACQUIRED
EARLY IN 2005, Upliftment Jamaica acquired the former Goodyear Tyre factory building. Mr. Foster describes the acquisition as a wonderful opportunity to further the cause of Upliftment Jamaica. The factory will aid in expanding the training programmes that are already offered to youth and adults of disadvantaged communities, and to increase the variety of training programmes available. The new name will be Upliftment Jamaica 21st Century Training Centre. Some of the proposed Human Employment And Resource Training (HEART Trust/NTA) vocational programmes for this centre are: carpentry, welding, sewing, upholstery, early childhood education, nursing, tourism training, call centre training and expansion of data operations courses.
"This will be one of the greatest things that have ever done to the parish," remarked Winston Cousins, pastor, and board member of Upliftment Jamaica.
LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM GOALS
Mr. Foster outlined the following as goals of Upliftment Jamaica.
1. A fruit juice processing plant.
2. Attracting businesses into the parish whether from China, United Kingdom or the United States of America. "Before you know it, the parish will be uplifted. St. Thomas will be the parish people will want to come and live in. So it is about sustainable development of the community and parish."
3. A clothing and uniform factory.
4. A music studio that American entertainer Dug E. Fresh has committed to provide all the needed equipment for the studio.
UPLIFTMENT JAMAICA PROGRAMMES
EDUCATION AND LEARNING
Upliftment has upgraded and refurbished schools, provided scholarships for students, and assisted with uniforms and books. They have also inspired individuals to contribute time and teach classes in core subjects. A technology centre with computers and free access to the Internet has given people the opportunity to acquire information technology skills, reduce illiteracy and reveal a portal to the rest of the world.
Summer School
Last summer, 180 children aged six to 17 were hosted for five weeks. The students were taught academic subjects as well as how to make craft items, crocheting, sewing, and Internet research.
"Summer school was great. We got assistance and participation from the children and the community more than we expected. Several parents came and volunteered their time. Even on some days housewives from the community called donating poultry, callaloo and other meat kind," said Mrs. Kenton-Fraser.
Kidz on the 'Net
Children 12 years old and under from various schools in the parish visit the office every Friday between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. They view websites, and use educational software. "The programme has grown to the extent that the older children who are nine and 10 years old teach and take care of the younger ones," said Mrs. Kenton-Fraser.
COMMUNITY AND DEVELOPMENT
Upliftment Jamaica strongly promotes self-reliance as reflected in the projects which are producing results not only mentally, but also economically. Recently acquired land in the community has seen the introduction of farming projects, including teaching people to plant and harvest subsistence crops. Other projects have revitalised buildings and surroundings and trained people with skills in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing and construction. Upliftment Jamaica also provides food daily for people in immediate need.
Kiddies Treat
Every December during the Christmas season children are treated with toys, clothes, food and entertainment. Companies like Matel and Nickelodeon out of the United States often donate the toys. "It is like a toy supermarket in here (at the centre). The children come in and chose what they want free of cost. It is a joy to see their faces when they see the toys. Last December we also had rides, bounceabout and Santa Claus." An adult treat is also held and they get their turn choosing clothes, shoes and food.
SPORTS AND LEISURE
Through its sports and leisure programmes Upliftment Jamaica builds confidence, discipline, self-awareness, and respect and physical well being for the body. Each year, they host a summer games, where participants compete for prizes and awards and this incorporates summer village, a camp and a variety of sports events and other activities. This culminates in the running man half marathon, a soccer finale and the summer jam party.
MUSIC, ARTS AND CULTURE
Upliftment Jamaica provides many art, craft and cultural programmes. They include the formation of a dance company which has gone on to win national awards for dance at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Festival of Arts. Talent shows, fashion shows, concerts and plays have also been a direct result of upliftment projects.
HEALTH AND WELFARE
Upliftment Jamaica has introduced health fairs and checks for many illnesses and ailments, dental projects and care for the elderly. They have been raising awareness and education on many health issues for early detection, prevention and treatment. Workshops on hygiene are held and a sanitation programme was launched to provide bathrooms for homes.
Sunday Clinic
Dr. Desmond Poyser, of the Port Antonio Health Department in Portland, visits the White Horses Clinic every last Sunday of each month. He examines about 30 persons from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Last year he saw more than 250 persons. Drugs are donated by various companies such as Lasco and H.D. Hopwood, free of cost to patients.
Shut-in visitations
There is not a set day or time to visit the elderly of the community, Mrs. Kenton-Fraser told Lifestyle. However, when the need arises, visits are made. "We visit persons who are bed-ridden or who don't go out much. Sometimes when we visit we will take drugs, food and adult diapers."
Health Fair
This is held annually in December High Stepping to Health (H2H) and Bridges to Care, both United States based companies, staff members and volunteers stage a two-day health fair in the community. Last December close to 1,500 persons received medical care and drugs free of cost. Last December's health fair, an orthodontist, Erika Frost, out of the United States was present.
