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• More than just a race: EU-JA 5K,10K run/walk raises funds to steer youth towards positive, productive paths

  “Together, we are making a difference and building a brighter future for the children of Jamaica.”

  That declaration from Marianne Van Steen, Ambassador of the European Union to Jamaica, reinforces their ongoing commitment to education, violence prevention and community development through a 5K and 10K run/walk event.

  The event’s second edition, which was held in March, in partnership with the Government and Running Events, under the theme, “All Together, Against Crime and Violence,” brought downtown, Kingston to life and raised funds for three literacy summer camps to be hosted at the Edward Seaga Primary, Holy Family Primary & Infant, and St Andrew Primary.

  With some $4.5 million raised to fund the initiative, Ambassador Van Steen expressed heartfelt gratitude to their partners and participants who made the run/walk event a resounding success.

  “This event is a testament to the power of partnership and citizen participation. The EU-JA 5K and 10K run was not just a sport event, but also a successful initiative that brought together diverse stakeholders and thousands of citizens for a common cause, to stand against violence and crime, to make Jamaica a safer place,” she said at the official handover ceremony on Tuesday.

  The camps, which are being hosted jointly by the Ministry of Education and Youth and Creative Language Based Learning (CLBL) Foundation, are aimed at improving literacy levels and reducing the vulnerability to crime and violence.

  A part of the EU’s efforts includes budget support and technical assistance to the All-of-Government’s Citizen Security Plan.

  This initiative, Ambassador Van Steen said is seeking to implement more coordinated, data driven and effective interventions to improve the security environment for citizens and address some of the root-causes that contribute to crime and violence.

  Last year, proceeds from the run significantly benefitted students at Kingston High School who participated in the literacy summer camp.

  “We are very satisfied of the success of last year's literacy summer camps, which were an opportunity of hope and transformation for the children of Kingston High School. These camps can be truly life-changing for this children that for circumstances of their life have fallen behind in their learning process. Therefore, we are proud to have confirmed our commitment to support three new schools this year,” she shared.

  

  “Education is a cornerstone of the European Union's global agenda, and it holds special significance in our partnership with Jamaica. We firmly believe that every child deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed. The Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY) has been a main partner in our ongoing budget support programmes, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration in future initiatives,” the Ambassador added, noting that next year’s event will also mark the 50th anniversary of the EU’s partnership with Jamaica.

  Joseph Matalon, chairman of Creative Language Based Learning (CLBL) Foundation, pointed out that the increased funding will allow the programme to substantially increase its scope and impact.

  “The session will benefit 45 students, up from 19 last year, overseen by an increased contingent of consultants from Linda Mood Bell, with CLBL mobilising two coaches, three mentors (previously participating teachers from varying cohorts who have been developed into Local Instructional Mentors) and 16 trained teachers, serving 45 students,” Matalon explained.

  “The Learning Session will provide supervised, immersive practice for our trained teachers and give participating students a jumpstart in reading to prepare for the new school year. We aim to deliver 80 hours of Training and Professional Development for each teacher, exposing them to all aspects of the programme as they engage students with varying learning needs,” he noted.

  Matalon stressed the significance of the generosity of organisations like the European Union, which enables his foundation in its work.

  He revealed that the foundation, in partnership with the Ministries of Education and National Security, also aims to expand its programme, focusing on 20 primary and 14 high schools under the Inter-Ministerial School Support Strategy, as well as 245 primary and secondary schools classified as underperforming by the National Education Inspectorate.

  “We hope that the well-documented efficacy of our programmes will foster the confidence to encourage you, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Security, to continue to support this programme and the other efforts of these two ministries to transform Jamaica’s education systems and improve safety in our schools,” Matalon stated.

  Meanwhile, Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams lauded the European Union and CLBL on their efforts to make a difference on the education and future outlooks of the students.

  “This is a welcome addition to the ministry’s efforts to address areas of weakness in literacy in how it is taught and learnt in Jamaica. Educators all over the world are constantly being challenged to refine existing methodology or develop new ones to meet the many needs of their student population, and this effort will help in that regard. I note the theme for this year was “All Together, Against Crime and Violence,” making a link between literacy skills and the violent behaviour of our students and adults. Our aim is to break that nexus and I want to again express our gratitude to everyone involved in making this happen,” the minister said in an emotional speech.

• 'We are not beggars': Mills blasts JOA for unfair allocation to JAAA for track and field officials

  Veteran track and field coach Glen Mills expressed his discontent with Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) and its restraints placed on the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) where the number of team officials to be accredited for this summer’s Paris Olympic Games is concerned.

  Mills didn’t hold any punches, as he tore into the JOA about the fact that they allotted only 14 slots to the JAAA for team officials, a figure he cited as woefully inadequate given that the country is expected to field at least 60 track and field athletes at the global multi-sport showpiece.

  In fact, Mills was not shy about declaring that besides diver Yona Knight-Wisdom, uncertainty surrounds whether or not the country will have athletes in any other sporting discipline, and this he believes makes the case for the track and field contingent to be given the respect it deserves.

  “I have been to nine Olympics. It is a disgrace that you have to be fighting to get the required number of coaches, the required number of therapists and doctors to go with an Olympic team that is probably rated number two or three in the world,” Mills said.

  “I find it very unfortunate that track and field, and what it represents in the Olympic movement, not just in Jamaica but worldwide, along with Jamaica’s history (has come to this). We are not beggars, we have earned it,” he added.

  Even as he recommended that the JOA reconsiders and up the JAAA’s allocation to 17 team officials, Mills believes that figure is still insufficient, and further suggested that 21 would be the right fit.

  According to Mills, his experience as the Jamaican technical director and coach at several international competitions in the past gives him expert knowledge on what it takes to manage an Olympic delegation.

  “Seventeen persons for a team of 65 to 70 is totally inadequate. I know that. I have been there and I’ve done that. I have done at least six or seven Olympics as the technical director and coach,” Mills declared.

  “I know what it is to go there and work with so many different athletes and so many responsibilities, So, I cannot see why the number is a problem. How can track and field be struggling to get 17 persons when the minimum based on the requirements should be about 21,” he questioned.

  On that note, Mills, the former coach of sprint legend and world record holder Usain Bolt, pointed out that he could have opted to take his expertise elsewhere, but declined offers from two other Olympic associations to join their team for this year’s Olympic Games.

  “If it is forced that I recognise the necessity for other coaches who have numerous athletes, I could have gone to the Olympics with other countries. I was offered two full accreditations, full funding, but I could never see myself wearing another country’s colours, but if I am forced to, then I will have to,” he noted.

  Meanwhile, JAAA President Garth Gayle explained that efforts to get the Christopher Samuda-led JOA to reconsider, have proved futile, even as he highlighted the need for additional personnel to support athletes across various disciplines.

  “We believe this is a reasonable request considering the wide range of disciplines, horizontal jumps, vertical jumps, throws, as well as medical personnel and therapists, we are requesting the JOA to increase the number by three to make it 17. Their response has been 14 and that’s it, but we are asking that they review it," Gayle shared.

• Natoya Goule renews partnership with Recycling Partners of Jamaica
  Olympic athlete Natoya Goule has extended her contract as brand ambassador for Recycling Partners of Jamaica (RPJ), solidifying her commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.

   

  Goule, who represents Team Jamaica in the women's 800m event, expressed her excitement about the extended partnership. "I'm thrilled to continue my journey with Recycling Partners of Jamaica," she said. "As an athlete, I understand the importance of preserving our environment for future generations. RPJ's mission aligns with my values, and I'm eager to contribute to their efforts."

   

  As brand ambassador, Goule will collaborate with RPJ on initiatives promoting recycling, waste reduction, and environmental education. Her involvement aims to inspire Jamaicans, especially the youth, to embrace sustainable practices and make a positive impact on their communities.

   

  Goule's partnership with RPJ demonstrates her dedication to using her platform for social good. "Natoya's passion for environmental stewardship and her influence as a national athlete make her an ideal partner for our organization," said Candice Ming, RPJ’s marketing and public relations manager.

   

  The renewed partnership marks a continued commitment to creating a sustainable future for Jamaica. Goule's involvement will undoubtedly inspire others to join the movement towards environmental responsibility.