Charles to Rotarians: Join us and ‘Build a Better Jamaica’

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr has called for partnerships with his ministry to “build a better Jamaica”.

Speaking to members of the Rotary Club of Trafalgar New Heights in New Kingston recently in observance of Rotary’s celebration of January as Vocational Service Month, Charles, who acknowledged his roots in Rotary as a former interactor in high school at Campion College in St Andrew, called members of the club and Rotarians across the country to pool their professional talents to assist the state with several projects being undertaken to improve the lives of people. The projects range from skills training and mentorship of teens, to empowering the differently abled and improving the welfare of the vulnerable and those unable to care for themselves.

Highlighting first, the ‘We Transform’ Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Programme, launched under his leadership as Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, the current labour minister, invited especially Rotarian men to help change the futures of juvenile offenders. The programme, which commenced almost a decade ago, continues, he highlighted, but requires sustained support to expand its impact.

“No one considered them (the juveniles) worthy enough to give the time and attention,” he reflected on the commencement of the programme.

“That programme continues seven to eight years later, and I want to invite Rotary to learn more about the We Transform programme, although I’m not at that ministry anymore, and many of you – particularly the men who are here – many of you are needed as mentors for those young men,” he implored.

Painting a picture of the mindset of the young men resident in facilities, such as Metcalfe in St Catherine, he underscored that while many have a grim view of life, with mentorship and support they can develop positive and upbeat perspectives.

“We brought in different practical applications using sports, music, Garveyism, and what we found is that we were able to get them at least interested in learning more about themselves and what they could become, but there was still a lot lacking because we may not realise the amount of time and effort that is put into you being who you (as Rotarians) are right now,” he outlined.

He encouraged Rotarians to seek out more information about the programme and to dedicate at least one day per month to the initiative.

In addition to conducting health and career fairs and other community initiatives, Minister Charles urged Rotarians to also pay attention to the development of small and soft skills, such as engaging youngsters in meaningful conversations about the challenges and experiences in various professions and sectors to assist with their understanding of the world of work. Through its annual etiquette training programme for grade six students of Maverley Primary and Infant and its Seaview Gardens Economic and Community Development Forum, the Rotary Club of Trafalgar New Heights has been seeking to equip children and adolescents with soft skills to navigate the world.

“You’ll never understand how much you can inspire another person by sharing your own challenges and experiences,” he said, inviting Rotarians to partner with the ministry on mounting career fairs, especially for students on the PATH programme who are job hunting.

He concluded his address to members of the Trafalgar New Heights Club by inviting them to also support various programmes for the vulnerable. The club has, over the years, conducted a variety of projects targeted to the differently abled population, in particular persons with physical challenges and children with special needs. It supported the Jamaica Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities to renovate a sewing workshop in 2021 located at the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre in Mona, St Andrew, and supported children with autism by raising funds via the ‘Surfing for Autism’ challenge in the late 2000s and in 2017 donating tanks and a jacuzzi to assist with the provision of water therapy for students of the Adonijah Group of Schools in St Andrew.

Charles also encouraged members of the Rotary Club of Trafalgar New Heights and Rotarians at large to conduct projects during Disabilities Week and support initiatives such as the Early Stimulation Programme. The initiative support children with physical, mental and intellectual disabilities under six years old.

“We are ready to partner with you,” Minister Charles declared.

“I am blessed to bless [others]. That’s how I see my life, and I am sure that’s why you are all here… You feel that there is something you have to give. We have to define the future that we want for our country, and we have to go after it and stop talking negative about Jamaica,” he challenged Rotarians.