SDC Hanover youth mentorship programme completed

WESTERN BUREAU:

THIRTY-THREE young people from across western Hanover who participated in an eight-week youth mentorship programme have successfully completed the programme. Now, they are looking to put what they have learnt over the period into practice. The programme was organised by the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Hanover Office.

It gave participants the opportunity to receive guidance in setting realistic goals while participating in a series of seminars geared at improving interpersonal skills, self- confidence, time management, life skills, decision making, exploring different career fields, social graces, and dining etiquette, among other things.

Based on their career goals, the mentees were also matched with role models who provided professional and personal-development support over the period.

Delivering the main address at the closing ceremony, commanding officer for the Second Battalion of the Jamaica Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Lysight, commended the Hanover SDC for organising the project and encouraged the mentees to strive to become responsible members of society.

He underscored accountability, discipline, positive attitudes, and punctuality as worthwhile traits to adopt.

“Be accountable for your actions and those things that you are asked to do,” he advised, adding that such behaviour would always help in developing trust.

Using his own life experiences from youth to today as an example, the 20-year veteran in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) argued that perseverance and striving for excellence are other worthwhile qualities for young people.

“Always strive to be the best that you can be while you dig deep and do the right thing always,” he said.

“A positive attitude, a can-do attitude, is what I want you to take away from this programme,” he argued, while suggesting that the mentees should make excellence a habit.

Member of Parliament for Hanover Western Tamika Davis, who partnered with the SDC in staging the programme, described mentorship as a powerful force for change and growth, especially in underserved communities like Hanover Western.

She said that having being mentored herself, she knew first hand the powerful effect of having a mentor.

“In programmes like these not only the mentees, but the mentors themselves are enriched by the experience,” Davis stated

She described the programme as an investment in the youths of the parish that will bring the best rewards and called on the mentees to also impart their advice, knowledge, and good traits to someone else in the future. Davis gave a commitment to give full support.

The mentorship programme was implemented with the support of member of parliament for Hanover Western, Tamika Davis, the Lucea United Church, Grand Palladium Jamaica, and Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa.

editorial@gleanerjm.com