JFLL graduate ready for a new life

Rasbert Turner, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Renford Lewis was the proverbial 'thorn among the roses' at a recent Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL) graduation ceremony.

"I am very glad to be among the (mostly) women graduating class! I did not even finish school, so I could not read or write. Now that has changed," Lewis said while looking over his certificate.

The graduation function was held at the Bethel Baptist Church in Bog Walk, St Catherine. The JFLL offers classes to adults seeking educational advancement at different levels.

Lewis said the classes were challenging but worthwhile.

"At 44 years old, it was hard going back then, but after a while it got easier," said the father of two.

Natalie Neita-Headley, member of parliament for East Central St Catherine, called the programme a success.

"I am pleased to have started the programme in Burton district. I paid for this first batch and we are willing to take them to CSEC," Neita-Headley said.

Take pride

Guest speaker at the function, Lorraine Clunie, encouraged the graduates to take pride in their daily living and continue to strive for knowledge.

The graduating class, made up of 11 females and one male, expressed a sense of achievement and declared that their graduation was the start of great things to come.

The graduates were given basic training in numeracy and literacy.

'At 44 years old, it was hard going back then, but after a while it got easier.'