Driven and focused

DAWIT JEFFERY resides in the community of Parade Gardens, popularly known as ‘Southside’. Growing up in this community came with many challenges for Jeffery, including peer pressure, and crime and violence.

“I had to choose if I wanted to fit into the community or to be the change, which was hard because being different means that there were things you couldn’t do and places you couldn’t be,” Jeffery said.

Jeffery attended the Holy Family Primary School, where after sitting his Grade Six Achievement Test, he was placed at the Donald Quarrie High School and subsequently attended the Excelsior High School.

With an innate drive and determination, Jeffery attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Guidance and Counselling from the Mico University College.

“Grace & Staff contributed significantly to this process. They made available financial assistance and they were there to support me mentally and socially, and created avenues for me to become the best version of myself and to appreciate volunteerism,” Jeffery said.

Through the contribution of Grace & Staff Community Foundation, Jeffery was also inspired me to form an organisation called the True Heroes Under God, focusing on youths at risk.

He is also an international motivational speaker, Justice of the Peace, Radio Host (Power 106

‘Raising Boys - The Journey to Manhood’), president for the Gold Street Police Youth Club, president of Area 4 Police Youth Club Council and a youth advocate.

Currently a guidance counsellor at Stony Hill Technical High School, Jeffery said he is a proud beneficiary of an amazing company with an amazing foundation.

When asked what he had to say to the company and the Grace & Staff team who guided him on his journey, he said, “Thank you is not enough, but thank you for being a family when I needed you most.”

DAWIT JEFFERY

Guidance Counsellor / Former Beneficiary