Marcus Garvey Tech principal advises parents:
‘Teach your children to be good’
Published:Saturday | August 12, 2023 | 12:09 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
PRINCIPAL OF Marcus Garvey Technical High School, Anniona Jones, urged parents of Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students to teach their children how to be good citizens.
As guest speaker at Moon Palace Foundation’s annual PEP Grant Presentation and Luncheon on Thursday, Jones told parents to prepare their children for the future by instilling good values in them.
“If you really want your child to be a good person, don’t teach them how to be mean and unkind, teach them how to survive when (people) are trying to use them,” she encouraged.
“Teach your children how to be good people without looking for something in return because sometimes the benefits don’t come from the people who you help; it comes from somebody else,” Jones said.
The PEP students are heading off to high schools such as Westwood, St Hilda’s, Marymount, York Castle, St Mary, Ocho Rios, and Iona high schools as well as Kingston College.
As Jones continued her message, she urged parents to empower their children.
“Parents, tell your children that people are going to try and tear them down; that is how life is. They will find something to decide to tear you down for. Empower your children with confidence,” she said.
To the students, she directed, “You’re going to be versatile, you’re going to be amazing and fantastic, and you’re going to do it your way.
“You’re heading off to high school and you’re moving from grade to grade and I’m here to tell you, the only thing that can hold you back is you. If you want something badly enough, you have to get it.”
A total of 31 students received grants totalling $1.26 million from the Moon Palace Foundation.
Parry Town, Exchange, Ocho Rios, and Breadnut Hill primary schools each had four of their students on the list, along with several from the Caribbean Christian School for the Deaf. The grants varied in amounts, ranging from $20,000 to $60,000.
“The grant and number of students represent an increase over last year’s total, when only two students were selected from three schools for the grants,” shared Natalie Boreland, general manager for the Moon Palace Foundation.
Tracy-Ann Thompson-Williams, the mother of awardee Trisan Williams, who is moving from Breadnut Hill Primary to St Hilda’s, said she was happy for the assistance.
“I’m feeling really elated to be presented with this grant because we’re really in need of a helping hand, so this grant has made a difference,” Thompson-Williams told The Gleaner. “I want to say thank you to Miss Natalie Boreland, general manager of the Foundation, for this initiative. We, as parents, really appreciate it.
“I am really elated even though my twin sister Trician isn’t here,” Trisan noted.
Principal of Parry Town Primary and Infant School, Tamara Wilmot-Buchanan, said she is happy that students from her school continue to be among the awardees.