Giving back to children and youth
Kris An Charles Investments Company Limited
ESTABLISHED IN 1992, Kris An Charles Investments Company (KACI) is the premier microfinance organisation in Jamaica. The company caters to the needs of lowto middle-income individuals in both the private and public sectors. Its facilities are utilised by many, in particular those who would normally not be able to access financing from traditional sources.
KACI is committed to fulfilling its mandate to be a responsible corporate citizen for the benefit of all. The company has a tradition of giving back to the community through its various social outreach projects and programmes, which provide support to children and youth as one of its target groups.
One way in which KACI has supported children and youth is in the area of education through the provision of grants to GSAT students who receive excellent results. KACI has also participated in Labour Day activities which benefit this group, including the renovation of an early-childhood education centre in 2015 and 2016. The company has hosted Christmas treats for children and, this month, will also support the Maxfield Park Children’s Home fun day.
As we celebrate Child Month this Labour Day, KACI will continue its support for children and youth as employees from its 11 branches islandwide will undertake projects assisting primary-and secondary educational institutions within their parishes.
Kris An Charles Investments Company not only enriches the lives of those reached directly through its primary business activities, but also contributes to nation building by supporting organisations that are a part of the national landscape and which themselves undertake events to benefit children and youth. This support includes annual participation in several charity runs which benefit thousands of vulnerable young people and partnerships with public-sector entities which provide work experience for youth.
GAINING EMPLOYMENT
Most recently, KACI hosted participants from the National Youth Service Summer Programme and Graduate Work Experience Programme, and the Citizens Security and Justice Programme Employment Internship Programme. Interns have had the opportunity to develop relevant
skills and knowledge while getting firsthand experience of life in an office environment. These internships are an invaluable introduction to the working world, which can significantly increase their likelihood of gaining employment. Work experience with KACI also nurtures young people to
become useful members of society as they are encouraged to participate in outreach activities undertaken by the company and to actively seek opportunities to give back to society. Kris An Charles Investments is pleased to participate in these programmes and is deeply committed to the upliftment of children and
youth, and in keeping with the theme for Child Month, urges everyone to ‘Take Action! Break the Chain of Abuse Against Children’. KACI also encourages those entrusted with their care to nurture and guide them so that they can realise their full potential and become tomorrow’s leaders.