Manchester Beliefs, Values and Attitudes Youth Symposium a success
Published:Saturday | November 30, 2024 | 12:06 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer
OVER 800 students from the parish of Manchester were left inspired to carry on the baton of youth leadership and civic engagement following the recent Manchester Beliefs, Values and Attitudes (MBVA) Youth Symposium, held at the Kendal Camp and Conference Centre.
With a cadre of speakers and activities, the students were motivated to not only fulfil their own potential but also to know the power of collective action that can guide them to recognise the vital roles that leadership and civic engagement play in their communities, and to help them position themselves accordingly.
Custos Rotulorum for Manchester, Garfield Green, who has been leading the transformative Manchester Beliefs, Values and Attitudes Initiative said the objectives of the youth symposium were realised, as they were able to not only uplift the youths, but to also celebrate their potential as leaders.
“Leadership is not about titles or positions. It’s about influence, integrity, and the courage to make a difference. And each of us has the potential to lead in our unique way. Together, we can empower our youth to think critically, act compassionately, and engage actively in society, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and respect for others,” Custos Green said.
The task of raising a child, he said, is a collaborative effort involving multiple influences, including the family, school, church, and the village.
“The family is the primary foundation, where love, values, and discipline are instilled. The school is where children acquire knowledge, skills, and social interactions. The church is a spiritual haven for moral guidance and a sense of belonging, and the village is the broader community, including extended family, friends, and neighbours, businesses that contribute to a child’s development,” Custos Green said.
Among the specially invited attendees were Delroy Chuck, minister of justice; Susan Nelson-Smith, regional director, Ministry of Education, Youth and Information: Region 5; Sheree Martin, executive vice-president, National Commercial Bank; and Pastor Jermaine Johnson, author and motivational speaker who served as the guest speaker.
Other speakers included Latoya Minott- Smikle, from the Office of the Children’s Advocate; Sophia Brown-Sinclair, education officer, Ministry of Education, Youth and Information: Region 5; Mickel Jackson, executive director, Jamaicans for Justice; and Vibes Master/Motivational Speaker Jerry D.
Custos Green said the feedback from the students and participants has encouraged the organisers to continue with the objectives of the MBVA, aimed at facilitating attitudinal change and social revitalisation.
With his team of volunteers, the custos is leading a process to achieve key goals of core values and principles that they believe can make the communities thrive and encourage civic pride among the youth.
“It was born out of the passion to see us regain some of the lost morals, respect and values, and have our people and society restored to a position that we can be proud of,” he said.
Main sponsors for the Manchester Beliefs, Values and Attitudes Youth Symposium included C&D Construction and Engineering Limited, JN Foundation, Jamaica Broilers Group of Companies, National Baking Company, and Pave-Con Limited. Other sponsors included Assemblies of God, Juici Patties, Hawkeye, Manchester Co-operative Credit Union Limited, Holsum, Wisynco, Northern Caribbean University Press, Sam Fo Meats, Yummy Bakery, K&T Development, Power Services Company Limited, Merv’s Catering, People’s Choice Trading, Excelsior, Pioneer Chocolate Limited, National Commercial Bank, JTA Cooperative Credit Union Limited and Joan Blackwood-Simpson.