Diaspora reaches out to children

Concerned about the welfare of the nation's children, some charity groups locally and in the diaspora are hoping to bring cheer to youngsters this summer through a range of events aimed at feting, empowering, and inspiring them.

Among the initiatives to be hosted will be an exploration and innovation camp geared towards educating primarily girls about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The event, which is a collaborative effort involving the Jamaica Cares Project and the LockheedMartin/University of Central Florida Math and Science Academy, will kick start tomorrow morning at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Department of Mathematics.

The five-day project is targeted primarily towards children between the ages of 12 and 17 and will be done at no cost to participants. It is anticipated that the event will have a far-reaching effect and consequently connect these children to professionals in the local and global communities.

But while focus will be placed by some groups on equipping children with educational and career skills, other initiatives will be geared towards making them street smart in light of the high the number of children being killed and sexually abused in the society.

hoping to empower

young girls

Cynthia Lincke, who is the co-founder of the Illinois-based non-profit organisation, Princesses and Ladies, is hoping to empower young girls to protect themselves and to provide their mothers with useful information to strengthen their parenting skills.

Lincke will be partnering with local educational, health and law-enforcement professionals, along with the Gilda Jackson Scholarship Foundation to give away textbooks and school fee vouchers as well as school supplies. There will also be presentations by local experts and empowerment activities at the event, to be hosted at the University of the West Indies Multi-Purpose room Rex Nettleford Hall, UWI on August 13.