Highlights Of Service activities completed by the Optimist Club of Kingston - OCK
Kingston, Jamaica - The Optimist Club of Kingston (OCK), in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Community Safety & Security Branch, on September 22, 2022 conducted the respect for law presentation at the Dunoon Park Technical High school. OCK recognized that the Administration and teachers at Dunoon have been working assiduously at instilling the correct values in its students, to help them develop into citizens that respect their civic duties and contribute to good governance. The School was selected for the project based on its location and the communities which feed into the school population. Presenters, 2LT Jhanenemorgan (JDF), Constable Clunis and Sergeant Witter(jcf), educated students on the role and mandate of the military and constabulary, the development and enforcement of law, as well as opportunities for career development through enlisting in each force. Ms.bridgette Pancho, VP Student of Affairs who helped to facilitate the presentation, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school for the program and its timeliness as the school continues to treat with issues of discipline. The Respect for law Projects are engaged to Expose Youth/community to Law Enforcement Officers and/or Law Makers acquainting them with the role of law enforcement and giving them an opportunity to ask questions and inform themselves about issues of concern in law enforcement.
The Optimist Club of Kingston is the first Optimist Club in Jamaica and the Optimist International Caribbean District and has been serving the youth and community for over 42 years. This respect for Law project is one of many conducted in this its 2021-2022 Optimist year. Through the leadership of President Aneskia Smalling the Club has completed over Twenty (20) service projects, including responding to the demands of virtual learning by donating total of forty two (42) tablet devices to students at White Marl Primary(15), Excelsior Primary(20) and the Caribbean Christians Centre for thedeaf (7). Patient monitoring devices including portable digital pulse Oximeter and infrared thermometers, toys and treats to the Bustamante hospital for Children Cancer Ward. Scholarship awards were also provided to students at early childhood and primary level, alongside several contributions of care packages and treats to youths in various institutions. OCK also serves the adults in the community, most recently receiving a gift of over 228 reading glasses for distribution to various homes for the aged.
This year’s program benefited from and enjoyed the support of our Patron Her Excellency Lady Allen, The Honorable Fayval Williams, Minister of Education and Youth, Royal Computers Ltd. The internally established Hugh Martin Scholarship Fund, and the Philanthropy of Mrs. Parker Anderson Mabry from the Diaspora, amongst several donor member and volunteers.
OCK welcomes local volunteers and donors who share our passion for the development of youth as we continue to serve our community under our motto “Friend of Youth”.