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!

BarBQue for a cause

The Syndicate BarBQue Lyme Series kicked off this year with the first staging on January 27th.

It was great fun with a good vibe and a-mazing food! How good? Lets just say I'm not keeping up with hiphop music, I have overcrowded spaces and I'm not a fan of fish..........but.......the DJ's had me enjoying every mix, the crowd was good but not to make the venue stuffy; and the escoveitched fish was amazing!

I was also glad to be out with the Bloom family....that's never a bad thing really. =)

You can click here for more photo highlights from the January 27th staging courtesy of J-Dash Labs.

So you're probably wondering how the charity part of it works...For the 2012 event they donated a cheque to the Jamaica Association for the Deaf with proceeds from the event. Since the event is now a series, the funds donated to charity will be handed over once per year instead of after each staging. This means that the bigger each staging is, is the more help that charity can get.

With that said, I'm excited to see the menu and DJ lineup for the March 10th staging. Also excited to see even more folks coming out to enjoy a different kind of Sunday afternoon.

On a slightly different note, I want to say that I really do appreciate the Syndicate Events team who are by extension a part of the Bloom family. They have much faith in our mission and it means a lot to know that even before things were all in place, they thought it important enough for them to #GetInvolved and help make a difference for special needs students in Jamaica.

Thanks bunches!

Sooooo in a nutshell....all I'm saying is.....once your in Jamaica on Sunday March 10th, the Syndicate Events Charity BarBQue is 100% where you need to be!

the weekend ahead

Those who know me would know that I'm rarely out these days. But with 2 great events happening this weekend....looks like I'll be making a move twice this weekend!


Friday
After getting through the last day of the week, Friday is for relaxing and putting the stressful week behind you. That is...unless of course you're like me and will be using Friday night to catch up on some work you need to get finished. *not much fun*

On the bright side, if i get enough stuff done on Friday night then I'll have enough time for my Saturday and Sunday shenanigans...and for some sleep!


Saturday
Is possibly another day for catching up on some work (this is what happens when you're trying to get a business off the ground....you work just about whenever work is to be done). 

The Saturday night party is Bottles & Cues at Club Overtime (NHT Building, New Kingston) . It's the first of a series which will be held on the last Saturday of every month...and my Coppershot family will be on the wheels of steel so that's definitely an insight for the great vibes you'll be getting! It's free with invite and $500 without...and ladies are free before 12. #WorthCheckingOut



Sunday 
Since Sunday is more of a relaxed day, the perfect Sunday flex for you is the Syndicate Events BBQ. This is the second in their charity BBQ series and if you recall, from the previous one (held Ash Wednesday 2012) the Syndicate Events team was able to donate J$100,000 to the Danny Williams Primary School for the Deaf to aid in the construction of a resource room. Thanks to their event sponsors they were also able to donate meat produce for the school kitchen, and 2 laptops for students.

I think what impresses me most about this event is that for just $1,000 you can choose from 4 different dishes to enjoy, you have a well stocked bar to buy out, good music to soak in....and it's all for a worthy cause! #WorthCheckingOut


All in all my weekend is working on personal projects and having some good fun with friends. It sounds like a done deal for me...and I'm inviting everyone to come have some fun!

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!

M: making a difference

AlphabetChallenge

It's amazing to see how one person can make a difference, and how in the same breath so many people think that lending a hand means very little and changes nothing.  -Anonymous

The statement above is quite true in my opinion (considering that this blog expresses my opinions)....and ever too often I think persons ignore a situation within their local community (or seemingly push it to the side) because they don't think there is any way they can help or they believe it is the responsibility of someone else.

My belief is that every individual no matter what, should think it is important to give to those in need....whether in cash or kind...large or small. I think it is extremely important for persons to make 'making a difference' a part of their life goals.

Yes there are those who can do more and should do more but what help is it to someone in need if you complain about what others should do instead of doing something yourself? Why try to convince the world that we are humanitarians and love mankind, if we prefer to point a finger and wait for a revolution nobody wants to start? Why is it that so often we turn a blind eye to an issue until it reaches a point of severity?

So here's my solution.....

Since we often sing on the statement 'to each his own' it is (in my opinion) the responsibility of each citizen to become a part of a foundation that helps others. Whether you join as a donor, member or volunteer; once you are helping to make a positive difference in the life of someone else I believe you feel better about yourself and you can from there help to spread philanthropy like a good virus.

I've already decided how I will make a difference, and if you want you can feel free to join me as a member or donor of my Bloom Foundation for Education, where the aim is to improve the educational services and opportunities available to special needs students in Jamaica. But, if you have a passion for something else or you want to work closer to home, then start the search for the non-profit organisation or association that suits your preferences.

And you don't have to have loads of money! That's a myth and just totally ridiculous. Even if you decide to have a coin drive, or donate in small amounts...that's you making a difference. If you put away all the coins you have at the end of a day, by the end of the month or even the year most persons have a good amount of money in coins and that can be donated....now imagine if you, your family and two or three other friends did the same?

You don't have to sell your soul or to go as far as to put yourself at a disadvantage...just do the little you can to make a difference.

the Joseph Kony reality?

After posting about Joseph Kony in my #AlphabetChallenge post this week I kept the research going to see what persons were saying about the movement and the charity Invisible Children Inc.

I woke up this morning to see an article posted on the NY Daily News, regarding the current situations in Uganda.

Read article here: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/stop-kony-video-campaign-raises-questions-article-1.1035502#ixzz1oa5dadsR

It makes mention of the fact that persons have been supporting the movement without doing much research on the situation and I can understand the statement and somewhat agree. I believe that while there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to support an initiative, it is important that persons fully understand the needs of the  victims/benefactors, as well as the projects and plans of the organization.

For me, regardless of where Kony is, it doesn't change what he has done and doesn't change the fact that he does need to be stopped.

I commend the persons who have decided to join the movement and end more than 25 years of what I consider child slavery. As a global community we honestly need to think and act on a global level, working together to reduce/eliminate some of the ills in countries and among minority groups that need more support.

So here's the plan....we all work together to make our world better.....but we do our research and ask our many questions! =]

J: Joseph Kony

AlphabetChallenge

I first came across the name Joseph Kony in my second year at university. I was researching for a paper on child care in other parts of the world and interestingly enough, his name came up in my research.

My research took me to a website for a group called 'invisible children' and I watched a video posted there that was done by a group of guys who travelled to Uganda, Africa. They spoke of a rebel group called the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) which is headed by Kony. They mentioned that Kony would abduct children and add them to his army, turning them into child soldiers or sex workers and forcing them to kill and commit various other crimes.

I was shaken....I had heard stories of life in Africa and the varied struggles they face, but with my soft spot for children....that video made it so real. I bookmarked the page online, shared it on my Facebook profile and mentioned it in my presentation for my class paper.

To be honest, my reach pretty much stopped there. In the video they mentioned putting plans in place to stop the rebels, but didn't have a clear direction to get it done.

Days, weeks and months pass....then almost all of a sudden my social networks yesterday were blowing up with #KONY2012, #StopKony and others of the like.

I first checked my bookmarks for the link (yes I keep them saved) and as expected it sent me to the 'Invisible Children' site and I noticed that it was all a buzz with the #KONY2012 and #StopKony posts. After a little searching and reading about the initiative, I saw this video:

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

Watching the new video brought back the feeling I had after watching it the first time....slight depression. The idea that so many children live in fear and that there are children who willingly would prefer death over life....it's sad.

Although I did get a lot of information from the site, I kept researching to see additional info. This is where the madness in my mind began!

First I came across a site that highlighted the fact that the writer believes the US is doing this to make them look good and not because they really do care. The second site spoke about the financial records of Invisible Children Inc and said that they do not donate all/majority of  the money to fundraising. The third site spoke about the fact that it is said that the Invisible Children Inc is overstating the issue in Uganda.

But here's what I think:
        1.   Any issue of abduction, abuse or damaging the life of a child....to me that's a big deal!
        2.   Non-profits do have to pay their business fees like everyone else. They may get tax exempts but there is still money needed to fund overheads, salaries and equipment. 
        3.    While I can agree that 'persons refuse to open their eyes until something is all up in their face' I can't imagine being so against something for a good cause.

I think I can fairly say that many people who are sharing the Invisible Children link and contacts are helping in their own way. Although they do need the funds to help complete projects, there is nothing wrong in doing your part by helping others understand the situation and joining the cause.

Whether or not you believe, these are the lives of children who are innocent and really need help. You may not be able to donate but you can spread the word and help to get the job done.


Watch the video, check out the site, and pass it on.

Remember too that you can be an agent of change...it always is an option! Spark a flame of change in your country by joining a non-profit organization for a cause you believe in.

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. =]

charity BBQ this Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is this week and I know most persons have absolutely nothing planned (except for probably church in the morning or something).

I'm inviting all folks in Jamaica to come out and start the lenten period with a charity barbeque. The event is being held by Syndicate Events - known for Absinthe and Igloo; and is in aid of the Jamaica Association for the Deaf.

If you want to see the even on Facebook, click here.....otherwise, here's all the details!

Syndicate Events Charity BBQ!

Date: Wednesday February 22, 2012 (yes I know the flyer says 2011...oops)

Time: 2pm to 10pm

Location: House of Kumasi (170 Cyprus Drive Belvedere, Red Hills)

Cost: $1000 and you can get chicken, pork or fish (refreshments on sale)

Music by: Kingston All Stars and guest DJ's

As you should know by now this charity is close to my heart so I'm super happy that they will be helping them out....and you can help out too.

Special thanks to all the corporate partners helping to make the event possible (Red Stripe, CB Chicken, Bad Dawg Sausages, Tru Juice - Official Juice Mixer, Worthy Gold Premium Jamaica Rum, Bullet Energy Drink, Jamaica Co-Operative Credit Union League, Bar On Wheels, FAME 95 FM, ZIP 103 FM, Main Event, Elite Catering and Carimed)

If you're in Jamaica link me for tickets...and if you're overseas I can let you know how you can help.

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. 

JMTC's Hercules: definitely worth it!

I took my Mom, Grandma and lil sister to see Hercules by the Jamaica Junior Theatre Company and overall it really was a good show. Besides the difficulties sometimes to hear (probably because of where we were seated) it really was a good production from start to finish.

The first thing I shall say here is that Disney movies are near and dear to my little heart.

Those are the things I grew up on and got excited about as a child. In some instances I dreamt of being a particular character, had merchandise that bore their face and name....(don't act like you didn't have them too)....and of course owned the movies on VHS (and for some movies I also had the soundtrack because it was just totally worth it).

Anywho, I say all that to pretty much say: I had some high expectations when I entered the theatre!

The first thing Mom noted was how great the costumes looked and I surely had to agree. I even got a few ideas for random outfit refixes and combinations and all that jazz. Kudos too to the team that put the set together. I noticed a great use of space with simple but totally relevant props to help bring it all together. Of course I couldn't ignore the fact that the technical crew helped to make sure that onstage the amazing set and costumes were complimented with excellent lighting and sound effects (insert here the movement of Zeus' thunderbolt with perfect lighting and sound effects).

One thing I couldn't go without commending are the performers. With even the youngest performers you could see the dedication and passion as they performed. Of course there are some who's singing/acting/dancing skills are more advanced than others, but that didn't change how well they got into character. This to me acted as a reminder of just how talented Jamaicans are! =]

I think overall my favourites were probably Mischief and Mayhem (minions of Hades - God of the Underworld). They really seemed to have gotten into character and as Mom said "I can only imagine how things are if they really are best friends."

The muses were also very good, and they really brought me back to the Disney movie I watched as a child.

All in all, I really did enjoy it and I'm now feeling motivated to take out my Disney classics and watch the movie again!

On another note, though, it warms my heart knowing that the proceeds will be going to charity. I feel good about the fact that the selected charity will one for children (since that's my passion) and that I added to the pool of funds that will help make a difference in someone else's life.

But back to you going to see the show! You've got until February 19th to check it out and in my opinion you really have no excuse!

Who/What: Jamaica Junior Theatre 2012 Production - Hercules
Where: The Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts
When: Until February 19th

I do urge you all to check it out, it's a fun show and it's all for a good cause! =]

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.

i'm doing my part...are you?

If you actually read the 'about me & my blog' page, then you would know that I'm passionate about education, youth development and children in general. I guess you could say I'm one of those hopeful citizens who think that educational opportunities (at least up to the secondary level) should be equally available to all.

There is of course the debate that it is a costy venture to truly give free education. I will admit that I believe that those who can without a doubt afford it, should pay; and I can agree that it really isn't fair for the government to have to 'pick up the slack' for parents who choose to multiply in abundance when they wholeheartedly know that they can barely afford the expenses of one healthy child! .....that rant is for another post though.

Anywho....

In trying to play my part in this 'education for all' fight, I decided that I would start a charity which would help raise funds for school's or specific students in need. With a few more things to iron out, all work is on pause until January 2012.

Until then, I'm doing my part by working alongside the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD) to improve the opportunities available to students at the Danny Williams School for the Deaf.

Many of us I believe take for granted how lucky we are. Probably not remembering that many of these persons (who are usually unable to benefit from all the education system has to offer) don't get to choose how they are born and their disabilities are rarely as a result of something their parents did. In other words.....it's almost a gamble. We tend to turn a blind eye, or do nothing more than talk about how much we want to see things change.

The question is: how much are you doing to improve the life of someone who needs a helping hand?


By the way....I don't count giving a dollar to the guy who begs at your car window, or putting money in the collection pan at church as helping. The former is really just giving him a '1 day money' that probably can't even buy food, and the latter is really your contribution to the church community.

What I'm talking about is you being actively involved in helping someone else and being able to see the benefit of your contribution in his/her life. Or I can spin it and say that you would be able to see the benefit in your country. hmm

I know by now most persons would be thinking that they really don't have the money for it; so let's do some calculations.

If you decide to save $20 a day, then at the end of the week you'll have $140 (adding the $10 brawta that you can probably spare = $150....but we'll work with the $140 for now). Instead of working this by month since some months have more weeks than others, lets work out the total amount by the end of the year. Since each year has 52 weeks, then at the end of the year you'll have $7,280 (and you know if you added that brawta every month you'd have $7,800 ). Now that's just from one person, and it may not really seem like much; but if 10 people give $7,280 then that's $72,800 a year.

It still probably doesn't seem like all that much, but give even a third of that to a mother who is struggling to purchase back to school items for her child so that he/she can be adequately prepared for the academic year. Or hand it all to a parent who's child needs a life-saving operation or has compounded medical expenses from an unexpected birth defect. Yup, that's when $72,000 seems like a gift from the heaven's above!

We often think that we aren't financially able to help, but imagine what can happen if we each take out that $150 each week? The JAD has a student sponsorship program, and I am currently working on various projects, including a merit scholarship for students which will be administrated through the association.

I'm doing my part....are you?