5 things I think you MUST teach kids

It's Child Month in Jamaica and a lot of attention is being given to child related and even some parenting related issues. Children getting attention is surely not a bad thing, especially since many children in Jamaica face neglect and miss out on all the love they deserve.

I'll add too how glad I am to see that there is some attention being given to reminding parents of their responsibilities as parents; especially since children are often called 'sponges' (figuratively of course) based on the fact that they absorb information like a sponge absorbs water.

There are many behaviours that kids 'suck up' from their environments and when these behaviours are negative or blatantly anti-social, I often have no qualms about blaming the parents who seem to have their kids living a 'free-for-all' life, and not teaching them what I believe are important that should be taught and embraced from an early age.

Since I have no kids now some parents may read this and say that I can say whatever I want because I don't understand, there are five things I believe every child MUST be taught/understand early, so as to ensure that the positive behaviours continue with them throughout their lives.

Here's my take (feel free to agree or disagree): 

1. Money management: 
From early ages, children should have an understanding and appreciation for saving and spending money. Nobody is expecting a child to fill a piggy bank in a week! But at least get them into the habit of putting even a few cents into a saving tin when they get money. It would also be a good idea to never tell them 'I don't have the money right now' but then you go buying some random thing for yourself....that would definitely send the wrong message.

2. Gender equality: 
Yes, I went there. I'm honestly over this talk about 'boy and girl colours' and 'boy and girl tasks'.....and I'm surely not about nasty kids who don't clean up after themselves. So instead of making a girl do this and a boy do that, how about having all your kids doing every task. Regardless of gender all children (by the time they are 17) should be able to cook and clean for themselves....regardless of gender! It's not about child labour, but instead it's about giving them manageable takes for their age. If not, how will they survive when they go off to college or leave the house (because they will leave...unless you had plans to baby someone until you die).

3. Punishment: 
Each child is different and that's how punishment should be....unless you have somewhat of a Brady Bunch, in which a situation of group punishment is probably your best option lol. Seriously though, kids need to understand from an early age that every action causes a reaction and that they are expected to be more responsible for their actions as they get older. Of course for any system of punishment to be balanced, the parents and caregivers must work together, and they must also ensure that children are praised when praise is due.

4. Giving back and civic pride: 
Charity and civic pride should be a part of any home. With charity, nobody expects that you will give up your all and everything but at least ensure that some aspect of social responsibility With civic pride, there are just some things that your child should know about the country they live in and where they were born. Not to mention the fact that both giving back and civic pride can teach respect for self, for the environment and for their country. 

5. Skills, talents and an education:
In my family, parents do their best to ensure that their children get an education while also honing individual talents and skills. Holistic development is obviously the best choice for all children and by mixing their natural talents with the opportunities for a good education the child gets the chance to be the best they possibly can be. This mix gives the child the chance to learn how to balance their live...which is something that will do wonders for them as they get older!


So there goes that...my top 5 things I believe each child must learn/understand. There are many other things I believe that kids need to get into their brains from early....but that's another post.

Come to think of it, I think I have a few more posts about 21stCenturyKids up my sleeve!

#ReadingChallenge: The Power of Giving

#ReadingChallenge

If this is your first time tuning in to my #ReadingChallenge, here's the skinny: For 2013 one of my personal challenges is to read one book a month. This has in turn become a blog challenge where I review each book I read and where necessary get some influences from each book.

Adding a bit of non-fiction to my list, I read 'The Power of Giving' by Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon. It was so good!

Some may say my opinion is biased because I already have an appreciation for philanthropy and it's benefits to the society at large....and that is one of the reasons I think it's a really good book. (duh)

Honestly though, there's also the fact that based on how the book is written, persons who wouldn't normally care much for giving back, are given simple and practical ways that you can give back to those in need without putting yourself in a challenging position.

The book is focused on 'how giving back enriches us all' and is broken down into chapters that look at the 5 W's (who, what, where, when and why) of  giving back at home, at work and in the wider community. It even adds some insight to corporate giving and includes an idea of how you can assess need, select a project/group to assist, then pool your funds/friends/resources to get the job done.

It's not a huge book either, so whether you're reading for personal or for work related reasons, the book is a great eye-opener and shouldn't be too hard on you since it has engaging content.

My #ReadingChallenge rating for The Power of Giving:

My unbiased opinion is that it really is a good book, and it's 100% worth the read whether you give back often or rarely. The language and tone are so easygoing and the book may really just give you the reminder that if you have the ability to give to someone else you should make it your moral responsibility.

If you give this book a read, comment on this post and let me know what you think of it!

help my charity this Christmas

One of the members of my charity entered the Foundation into a competition where we can receive a J$100,000 grant from a local company - Sagicor Life Jamaica.

You can read the submission below (or click here for a clearer image) and then vote for us by liking the photo on Facebook. After you've liked it, feel free to share it with your friends so we can get as many likes by December 19th when voting closes.

This is quite an opportunity for us, and with all the plans that the team and I have for 2013, the grant would definitely help us fund some of our projects with the Danny Williams Primary School for the Deaf and the Lister Mair Gilby High School for the Deaf.

So #GetInvolved and help us make a difference this Christmas. Let's get those likes up to at least 120 by December 19th!

X: x-cited

AlphabetChallenge

Excited is not even the way to describe the way I feel about certain things.....I'm honestly yet to find the right word!

Though this post is late (I know) the excitement has been there for a few weeks and the mere fact that the excitement continues is to me a good sign about everything happening.

Lost?

Ok fine, most people know by now that my focus has been my foundation - Bloom Foundation for Education...and there really is no reason why my focus shouldn't be that. These last few weeks have given me the chance to see growth related to the team I have, the plans we have for the rest of the year, the support we are getting from the public and the support from corporate Jamaica and other non-profit organisations.

So I'm happy and excited about that.

Not to mention the fact that we had another successful 'Bloom project' completed this week with the Danny Williams Primary School for the Deaf and the Lister Mair Gilby High School for the Deaf. Special thanks to Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited and Geddes Grant for assisting with the prizes for the students. =]

You can keep checking in with the Bloom Foundation for Education FB and Twitter page to more info and pics on that project and others to come. 

Besides the Bloom stuff....

While my boss is on leave I've got the task of putting together a newspaper, and although I have been helping with the production for a good little while now, it's definitely a little bit different when it's all up to me to get it done.

I am excited about it though, and so far, it's been pretty good. I can surely say thank God for my very organised little self and for chocolate that helps me keep everything in check. I'm happy for the challenge and I think that with the support I've got I'll do perfectly fine. =]

In addition to that....

I'm really looking at grad school again...seriously now! I've particularly started looking into studying in Europe; not because I want to be further from home but because I want a unique and amazing experience in a different country where I can possibly learn another language and embrace another culture. I of course may change my mind similar to how I got cold feet with the Japan plan...but for now Europe is looking pretty cool.

There's so much other stuff I want to learn too...

I'm trying to decide if I want to do a programme in non-profit management?? Or should I just go do French classes to get be back at that place where I can have a convo in French?? Maybe instead I should go back to ballet or kickboxing?? Short courses in event planning and graphics shouldn't be too hectic right??


Yes....very unsure what short courses I want to take up, which new things I want to learn and what activities I should get back into..........I'll figure it out though but until then I'll just be all excited about the options I have. =]

So there's that, my little balls of excitement that keep me going day by day. Each comes with its own challenges and drawbacks but I'm confident that when the time comes I'll make the right decision!


Back to work! Toodles.

U: UMOJA - benefit night for Bloom

AlphabetChallenge

Late AlphabetChallange post again this week (sorry guys) but it's a good one for a good cause....so read on =]

As you should know by now, I am 100% supporting the Bloom Foundation for Education which is my brainchild that focuses on improving the educational facilities and opportunities for special needs children in Jamaica.

With that said....I'll note that the Labour Day project to repaint the Danny Williams Primary School for the Deaf went well and we have some amazing pictures to help you be a part of the experience.

But following that, the help doesn't end there; and besides our ongoing coin drive our next project will be a benefit performance of the Campion Collage Dance Society's 2nd season of dance. Dubbed UMOJA (which is a Swahili word that means unity and togetherness) the show will take a journey through the first 50 years of independent Jamaica, and give a feeling of unity and togetherness for the audience members to leave with.

Of course this means that you cannot miss the show! Not only because it is all set to be amazing, but also because it's a benefit performance and the funds will be used for a scholarship that will go to a Deaf student in St Andrew.


Now just in case you need that little reminder...here's all the important info:

Bloom Foundation for Education benefit performance of the Campion College Dance Society 2nd Season of Dance - UMOJA

Date: Friday June 29th
Location: The Little Theatre (Tom Redcam Avenue)
Showtime: 7pm
Ticket cost: $1000

You can feel free to contact me to arrange the pick up/drop off of tickets and if you want more information on the foundation and/or the project.

Oh....and for all the fans and friends overseas who are wondering 'where is the online donation link'....don't worry we'll have it soon so you'll be able to lend a hand without having to leave home. =]

So back to the dance show! Bring a friend and come enjoy the Friday night show, there's really no reason for you to miss it and if you want to contribute but you aren't able to attend, let us tell you about how you can help make a difference!

in the name of charity

Thursday was a great day!

Remember the Ash Wednesday BBQ I told you all about? The one that Syndicate Events held with part proceeds going to the Jamaica Association for the Deaf?

Lil sis, my hunni and I at the Syndicate Events Charity BBQ.
Photo: Fern Elise

Well, the event was a success and on Thursday I visited my little kids at Danny Williams School for the Deaf with the Syndicate Events team and Miss UWI 2012 contestant (and my friend) Talia Soares to handover the proceeds and give the kids a little treat.

Yup! I not only got the chance to see my little kids, but I also got the chance to put a little in that large bucket of needs and make them smile. =]

Thanks to sponsors and the Syndicate team the school received some chicken (courtesy of CB Chicken), 2 fliptop laptops (courtesy of LIME) and JA$100,000 which was raised through the BBQ.

The handover: the Syndicate Events team, Talia, a senior teacher from the school, JAD PR officer, myself and some of the kids. (photos: JDash)

After the handover we treated the kids to ice cream (thanks to Talia). They definitely enjoyed it and we somewhat felt sorry that we gave them a sugar rush and left them with their teachers. lol

Miss UWI 2012 contestant Talia Soares scooping out ice cream with me. (photos: JDash)

It was fun and I'm really glad I gave Talia and the guys from Syndicate Events a chance to interact with the kids and assist them through their donations. I know there is still so much more to be done and the Kimberley Sherlock/Bloom Foundation for Education partnership with Syndicate Events and Talia Soares is not yet done!

Signing the visitor book (photos: JDash)

A million thanks again to the Syndicate Events team...your donation and assistance really means a lot to me.


Do you want to help too? Ask me how!

blooming excited

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!

This week I got the final logo for my charity....and I love it! I'm glad to have talented friends who can understand what I mean when I say 'you know....something like that and this together.' lol

I've got a million thanks to my friend Lauren who did the logo for me although just for kicks she had me waiting for ages! hmph

Anywho....here it is!

Graphics by: Lauren Watkis

For copyright reasons (among others) I'll only be releasing this copy; but get acquainted with the logo because hopefully by May we'll be all over the place working to have scholarships available for the 2012/2013 academic year!

Oh and you can check out more of Lauren's work at www.behance.net/laurenwatkis

But....you're probably wondering what the foundation is all about....

Bloom Foundation for Education is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the educational opportunities available to special needs students in Jamaica. Currently we are working with the Jamaica Association for the Deaf to make student scholarships available for the 2012/2013 academic year, and to complete special projects to improve the facilities available at their various Deaf schools. 

As the foundation grows, we hope to provide additional services and opportunities including mentorship; as well as to work with other special needs groups. For now though, we are working closely with two Deaf schools in Papine, St Andrew and will be focusing on getting donors and sponsors to help alleviate the financial strain that many parents face.

So there's the basic idea of it all. We are now looking for volunteers and sponsors to come on board and be a part of the team, so feel free to contact me if you want to learn more about the Bloom Foundation for Education.

Look out for more blooming updates...especially the Coffee For Charity campaign. =]

G: give and you shall receive

AlphabetChallenge

Another late AlphabetChallenge post...but I've been so busy that Monday seems to just come and go. (sorry guys)

So we'll start it here:

The degree of loving is measured by the degree of giving.

               - Edwin Louis Cole

I've always found it a bit interesting how willing persons are to promote and support a for-profit endeavour...but not a philanthropic endeavour.

It's honestly something I noticed ages ago, but as I get more involved in charity projects I unfortunately get to experience it even more often. While I can understand that some projects ask for large sums of money that you really may not have, I'm still taken aback by the fact that some persons are not even willing to give even a dollar or two minutes of their time.....

Now don't get me wrong....

I appreciate the fact that many persons have to work very hard in order to provide for their family's and/or their own basic needs. But that doesn't change the fact that many persons who have an overflowing cup, are unwilling to give even a minuscule portion of what they have to someone who needs so much.

...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48)

I've been working alongside the Jamaica Association for the Deaf and I have had the chance to see first hand some of the many challenges that the Deaf schools have to face day to day. Although not in a position to give them all that they need, I have helped them to solicit sponsors for school projects and I have been working with them to organise awareness programmes.

Currently my projects include the BH Paints Give Back Competition where Danny Williams School for the Deaf can win a paint makeover from the company. The catch: persons on Facebook have to vote for the school and the school must be in the top 14 voted projects in order to win.

Outside of Danny Williams and the JAD, there are many associations, projects and persons who need assistance. In many cases all they need is a small donation from a lot of people. Whether it is your contacts, your talents and abilities, a small contribution, help with promotion or even your ideas.

With 365 days in a year, I know that giving back even once a quarter won't be that taxing on your finances/schedule....

I urge you all to give back to your community, to associations and service groups that work for good causes. Look for a cause related to the field you're in or an issue you want to advocate for. Make that call or send that email to find out how you can help them by giving just a little of what you have to those who have very little.

Feel free to ask me about my charity and how you can be a part of a programme that raises funds and advocates for special needs students in Jamaica.

let's get on top!

This post is all about you lending a hand and getting my charity (Danny Williams School for the Deaf) a paint makeover from BH Paints.

It's super easy to help make a difference for these amazingly talented Deaf primary school students in Kingston Jamaica.


All you have to do is like the BH Paints Facebook page - Champions of Colour, click on the Give Back tab, find Danny Williams in the entries and VOTE! Or you could just click here! 

Voting closes on February 28th and you can now vote every hour. So even if it's just three or four times a day that's good. =]

To make things even better! Each time you vote you get the chance to win for yourself a $40,000 paint project to use however and wherever you choose!

Here's the link to vote: http://bit.ly/siarhR 

Thanks a lot to all who have been voting, and thanks to those who will start voting now. 

my charity needs your help

I've often mentioned my charity and although I am still not at a point financially where I can give them more, I am glad that I have been able to volunteer my time and talents to help make a difference in the life of someone else.

One way that I try to play my part is by advocating for the cause and opening doors for them to get opportunities. Currently while I work with the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD), I have been focusing on the Danny Williams School for the Deaf which is a primary education school that caters to children with hearing impairments and those from families with hearing impairments.

Although they have just about 100 students enrolled, the school has a number of needs, but financial constraints make it exceedingly difficult for them to improve their facilities and provide a more enhanced environment for the students.

(click here for a recent article in the Jamaica Observer)

I entered the school in a competition where they would get the chance to win a free pint makeover from BH Paints. Currently they do need a paint makeover and this would be an excellent way of improving the aesthetics of the school. In order for the school to win though, persons have to vote for Danny Williams School for the Deaf through the BH Paints Facebook page. Each person can vote daily and each vote gives the opportunity for you to win a paint makeover for yourself (I believe that opportunity is only for Jamaican/Caribbean voters though).

Working with these kids has helped me to appreciate one of the things I often taken for granted - my ability to hear; and it has motivated me to do more work with the JAD.

Currently I am working on a scholarship fund for Deaf students that I hope to have in place for the 2012-2013 academic year. But until those plans are finalised and donation forms are available, I urge you all to vote for Danny Williams School for the Deaf so they can get their paint makeover, and to check out the JAD website for more information on how you can help.

If you're interested in making a donation, finding out more information or visiting the school with me, contact me and let me know so we can set everything up.

Do your part...lend a hand

the woes of project planning

I have so many plans in my little head....but I seem to never have enough time to plan my projects.

Before, the issue was that school needed so much of my time with assignments due and exams to study for. Now, work takes up so much of my time, that I'm too tired to think when I get home so my proposals don't sound the way I want them to.

Then outside of the organising issue, of course there's the issues of sponsorship. To be honest the sponsor will need a proposal....and if the proposal can't get done then there's nothing to give a potential sponsor. On the other hand, there are instances where the proposal is completed, the sponsor is met with and all.....but there is that period of waiting before things get finalised.

If you're anything like me, then during that 'finalising time' you begin to get all agitated and start rethinking some plans and wishing you had pitched something a little different. I'm hopeful and positive though that corporate sponsors will see the need and help out where possible.

At the same time, I know that corporate sponsors is only so much and no more. I know that by involving persons at home and abroad, contribution will come in both small and large amounts. So I'm working on ways to tap into that lovely opportunity.

I actually hoped that by tomorrow I'd have things all sorted out, but this proposal (as I expected) needs some tweeking so I'll probably need another week to reread n fix it all up.

Until then folks, I'd love if persons would  just contact me and let me know how much they would be willing to donate to the Danny Williams School for the Deaf for student scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year.

fr the college graduate

It's just a little over a week since graduation and I know for many persons the whole idea of 'no longer an undergraduate student' has surely set in.

I'll admit that although at first I really wasn't feeling this whole idea of sitting in the National Arena for hours while hundreds of graduates go and collect their degrees, but in my opinion it was a morning/afternoon well spent. It was probably the last time I would be seeing my 'degree batch' all together at once and for sure it was the closure to my undergraduate chapter, similar to the opening that orientation was.

I really liked the valedictory address and the Utech Choir was really good especially when they sang I Believe by Fantasia (I didn't even know we had a choir lol). All in all, I'm glad I did it and I'm excited to see where this takes me next.

Now.....back to the reality of one week later!

I surely can't complain about how relaxed and carefree my days can be, and how open my schedule is with no worry about tests and assignments.

But.....because I've gotten so used to being extremely busy and having 100 things to do, it really does feel weird to have so much time on my hands. I know there are a number of graduates who like me have been chilling at home and keeping an eye and ear out for a job.

For me it's not too bad, because I have work (hosting at HYPE Tv) everyday, I have my charity projects to plan and I still hold a post on the TEENage Observer executive body. So I'm fairly busy, but not as busy as I was as a student.

I think it's fair to say that although school prepared you for exams and the world of work, it never once mentioned 'coping strategies' for these days at home wondering what's next?

Jobs are like a rare comodity as they either require '2-3 years work experience in a similar field' or 'masters degree in ________'. But let us be realistic...or at least think from the mind of a graduate (this is a nice compilation of the comments I've heard)

Bossman, if me deh a school a learn fi di degree an all me a get a some likkle 2 month internship, where di '2-3 years experience' ago come from? An wen mi a struggle fi pay back di undergraduate money, how mi ago pay for the masters? 

The answer to both questions......I need the job!

By the way....for those who didnt understand that burst of Jamaican patois here's the translation:

Sir, if I've been at school working on getting the degree and all I've been given are 2-month long internships then where will I have gotten the chance to get 2-3 years experience? And after struggling to repay the loans from undergraduate study, how will I be able to pay for a masters degree?

So ya, pretty much a first degree graduate will need a job some way, some how to help build his/her resume and open other doors/opportunities while helping to fund further study if necessary. Or maybe, just maybe more persons need to pool resources and get into that ever so open field or entrepreneurship. Either way, it's for the graduate to make a step and possibly take a risk at attaining the dream he/she wants.

Apply for the job even if you don't have that experience and/or masters degree! You have just about nothing to lose from applying, especially if you can send your application via email (that saves you the print and transportation costs). You may also want to apply for the job that isn't the dream job you want.....believe it or not, many successful persons started at the bottom of the ladder and climbed their way up!

In my world, I've 100% accepted that I can't get my dream job until I get my masters degree. That's something I was well aware of from the day I started college, but that's ok to me, because until I get the $$$ to fund graduate school, there's no reason why I can't continue to build my skills profile and of course gain work experience where possible.

All in all, the goal is to get a job that will either help to prepare you for further study or a climb up the ladder, or to get a 'filler job' to help you make ends meet while you hunt for something closer to your dream.

So the solution to the college graduate woes......get the resume done and get on the job hunt! I'll post a few tips about that soon.

Get going!

does our education system need a change?

While completing my final year internship I got the chance to attend a curriculum development workshop.

During some down time to get the mind off the work to get done, the teachers, principals and the various specialists in their fields took a few minutes to watch this video. It's a animated video that was done to accompany a speech by Sir Ken Robinson who is a creativity expert, educator and the winner of the RSA Benjamin Franklin award.

He speaks about the fact that the current system is designed based on the past needs of our world, and that that with the 21st century upon us we should take into consideration the differences between then and now. He makes mention of how we sometimes alienate students through testing and classification and he makes a connection between the increased instances of ADHD and the rise in standardised testing in the United States.

In addition, he discusses how the education system places more emphasis on standardization than it does on the individual needs and abilities of students. He also spoke on the deterioration of divergent thinking and suggested various things that educators should take into consideration.

As a student I often had difficulties learning subjects and topics that were mostly theory and had little or no technical/practical aspect. During prep and high school some teachers were understanding and accommodative, making adjustments where necessary so I could get it. Other teachers were quick to assume that I just wasn't as 'smart.' When the time came for me to select a university, Utech was the obvious choice, not only because the program offered more options, but also because the university places emphasis on a balanced program mixing theory and practice.

Honestly, my 'unusual learning methods' is one of the main reasons why I entered the field of education. Interestingly enough, in my first year of university I learnt about the different types of learners which opened my eyes and made me notice that I'm not 'unusual'....I'm just a part of that approximate 5% of the population who are kinesthetic/tactile learners! (ie a student who learns through hands-on teaching/learning methods).

Based on my own experiences, knowledge gathered through university and after seeing the video, I've honestly begun thinking about how we really educate our children and whether or not our methods are really effective.

Now in a position to get into the system and help make a change, I've continued to think through some of the things that we probably need to consider changing so as to benefit the students in the 'system.' I haven't gotten there yet, but I know that in time I'll be a part of the movement to change the education paradigm and provide better education opportunities.

Making steps towards the change!