Jamaica Broilers fêtes educators

More than 2,400 teachers have been hosted over the last 15 years by the Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) at the company's annual Teachers' Day luncheon.

With an average attendance of 160 teachers from 21 schools in St Catherine, the JBG event is one of the island's largest gatherings at a Teachers' Day luncheon.

In addition to an afternoon of fun-filled activities and entertainment, the programme includes a motivational presentation by outstanding leaders in the society, aimed at encouraging teachers to higher service.

"Jamaica Broilers looks forward to organising this event in recognition of the hard work and personal sacrifice which teachers display each day in the classroom, and to show them we care.

"This is also in keeping with our emphasis on empowering members of the communities in which we operate in St Catherine through education," said Dr Claudette Cooke, vice-president of human resources and public relations at JBG.

Engaging and inspiring

The luncheon was held on May 6 at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club, and was engaging and inspiring. Highlights included picture taking on arrival, a 'chicken dance' as well as a challenge and inspiration from Dr Shermaine Barrett, educator and human-development specialist, who urged teachers to go 'the extra mile'.

"What you do outside of the classroom is as important as what you do on the inside, as there cannot be double standards. Teachers have to be prepared to impact not only the intellectual development of their students, but their social, emotional and ethical growth as well," Dr Barrett said.

Kevin Downswell appeared as the 'surprise' on the programme. He ministered in both word and song and had teachers reaffirming God's blessings and goodness. They danced and swayed as they sang along and even did solos of his popular songs.