Rita Marley Foundation uplifting the youth
MARY’S CHILD was established 24 years ago. It’s mandate, to provide a spiritual environment, proper residential care and transform the lives of vulnerable girls 13 to18 years old, who are victims of rape, incest and carnal abuse. However, between 2008 and 2009 a 10-year-old and four 11-year-old girls entered the institution. Mary’s Child now houses 19 young girls, most of them adolescent mothers who originate from various parishes in Jamaica. The Rita Marley Foundation (Jamaica) works closely with Mary’s Child Home, providing life-enhancing skills training for residents.
On Saturday, September 17, the foundation in collaboration with Dr Marshall Tulloch Reid (endocrinologist) and Jean Tulloch Reid (health educator/counsellor/family life specialist) presented a Healthcare workshop at the facility. It focused on self-esteem, education and parenting.
POSITIVE SELF-ESTEEM
Facilitator Jean Tulloch Reid urged them to have positive self-esteem. “This will assist with achieving your goals. Good self-esteem gives hope and makes us resilient,” she said. The young ladies shared their career goals and were advised by the Rita Marley Foundation and facilitators on the disciplines required for making them a reality. Residents also learnt that through parenting they have become partners with God in creation, a responsibility that lasts a lifetime. “No child is an accident,” Ms Tulloch Reid expressed. “Although some experiences are meant to harm you, God turns them around. Choose friends who bring out the best in you and encourage you,” she added.
PEN PAL PROGRAMME (JAMAICA AND GHANA)
It’s a new school term and a new set of five-year-old students have joined the Rita Marley Foundation Pen Pal Letter Writing Exchange Programme.
Students at the Holy Trinity Basic School in Kingston wrote lovely introductory messages on post cards for pen friends at the Konkonuru Methodist Basic School in Konkonuru, Ghana West Africa.
On Wednesday, September 21, World Peace Day, the Rita Marley Foundation will expand the Cultural Storytelling Programme with the inclusion of the Curlin Johnson Basic School at Mountain View.
Acclaimed Storyteller, Amina Blackwood Meeks, will educate and entertain 50 pupils through Jamaican and African folklore.