Deon P. Green, Gleaner Writer

Jamaican-born Hermine Shaw, founder and chief executive officer of Peer Centre, a charitable organisation which provides a team of medical and other professionals to mentor youths in inner-city communities across London, says she intends to extend the programme to youths in Jamaica.

The Peer Centre is a registered organisation based in the London borough of Hackney. The centre specialises in counselling and psychotherapy, life coaching, mentoring, training and employment, business advice and drug awareness for persons between the ages of 14 and 25. The team comprises psychotherapists, volunteer psychologists, a dermatologist, a heart surgeon, general practitioners and lawyers.

Committed team

Shaw told The Gleaner that: "We are a specialised, committed team ready and able to make our services available to all. We are very much aware of the problems facing the youths, and hope to provide the necessary tools for the challenges they face." She added that, "We are committed to making a difference, providing viable options and opportunities for the misguided, unfortunate and misunderstood." A mother of four, her inspiration has been a dream from her early years in Clarendon. She said: "It has always been a dream of mine to help young people and this is one of the main reasons, after completing my counselling course, why I decided to venture along this path".

The social worker and holder of a first-class degree in counselling and psychotherapy from the University of London, said she anticipates establishing a similar organisation in Jamaica, with linkages with the Jamaica Teachers' Association. She explained that the schools would be visited with a view to addressing the level of violence within those institutions. This is in addition to dealing with the other social needs of students and parents, as no one is excluded. "I am also examining the possibilities of cultural and social exchanges where children from Jamaica can visit the United Kingdom and vice versa. Hopefully, our board could explore the idea of a medical student exchange programme where our medical team would sponsor and tutor students who are at 'A' level standard," She told The Gleaner. To make her dream for Jamaica a reality, Shaw anticipates establishing contacts with government officials, agencies and intuitions associated with youths across the island. She expects to visit the island in May.

Meanwhile, JTA President, Hopeton Henry, responding to Shaw's plans, told The Gleaner that he and his organisation would be willing to hold discussions with the Peer Centre, as any assistance that will promote, foster or improve the values and attitudes of students will be welcome.