The Editor, Sir:

This 'mission' of the Church suggests a distinct lack of priorities. I say to the Church, how about investing the first $5 million on our youths? How about investing in some equipment and assist in teaching our young people how to be marketable? It could be a few trade centres - strategically located - which, along with teaching self-sufficiency, would provide career guidance and counselling services.

Think how far $60 million would go over five years - start small: five computers and two teachers. Maybe two (or three) church sisters/brothers could give one hour, three days a week. Lessons in Microsoft Office, typing, customer service, and deportment could be taught.

Additionally, reach out to businesses, large and small, to augment costs and also market your product, which are our young men and women. Those businesses that cannot offer cash, ask if their accountant/manager/supervisor can speak to the young people even one day out of the month and provide them with some motivation. Ask them if they can host a young man or young woman for half a day at his or her job, allowing business operations to be observed, and where possible, perform practical tasks relevant to one's vocation.

If that fails, reach out to the community for support - host fund-raising activities every quarter or twice a year: fish fry, cookout, concerts. Solicit the community and those who cannot afford cash can donate a chicken, a pound of fish, a bread ... one-one coco full basket. And if we want to start them at even an earlier age, maybe some of the bigger ones who demonstrate proven responsibility and leadership skills could be assigned the important task of peer counsellors, with the ability and authority to provide proper guidance to younger ones in their communities along the way.

I enjoy reading in patois as well as standard English. I have no trouble meandering between the two, when appropriate. I quite enjoy a lively chat in patois with friends and family, but there is a time and place for everything. English is the language of Jamaica.

As difficult as it seems, I really hope the Church can take a look at the country, assess the financial and cultural needs of the nation, and find a worthwhile project that costs $65 million. In these times of national needs, a patois Bible naw help a soul but di one dem whey claim sey dat sey fi dem hintellec' is superior dan everybady else h'own. Dat naw go mek it. Some a oonu chuch people come in like crasses. Just keeping it real.

I am, etc.,

JOAN DAVIS

covergirlgogo@hotmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica