Posted on by Jeneve Gordon

Over 400 children in child care institutions islandwide were positively impacted through several interactive sessions held, dubbed “Mission to Motivate” during Child Month 2016.

Held under the theme “Healthy Children Build a Stronger Nation,” the initiative was part of the Child Development Agency’s (CDA) thrust to empower youngsters to rise above their circumstances and achieve their dreams.

Public Relations and Communications Manager at CDA, Rochelle Dixon (left) and Executive Chef/Past ward of the State Courtney Dixon (1st left) talk with a group of girls about personal development at the Elsie Bemand Girls Home in Kingston during a ‘Mission to Motivate’ session recently. They are also joined by members of board for the Home.
Public Relations and Communications Manager at CDA, Rochelle Dixon (left) and Executive Chef/Past ward of the State Courtney Dixon (1st left) talk with a group of girls about personal development at the Elsie Bemand Girls Home in Kingston during a ‘Mission to Motivate’ session recently. They are also joined by members of board for the Home.

Commenting on the MtM sessions, Public Relations and Communications Manager, Rochelle Dixon, said that the Agency saw the need to continue the motivational drive which commenced last year, during Child Month 2015, in both private and State-run child care facilities.

“Our aim is to see our children reach their highest potential, which sometimes requires a little motivation. During the sessions, we saw where the children were very receptive and appreciative of the team’s presence at the various facilities visited. Through this initiative, we will definitely continue our efforts to improve the lives of our children” CDA’s PR and Communications Manager said.

Also relating her experience of the session participated in, ward of the State Davian Campbell said she enjoyed the presentations and activities that the session comprised.

“I felt motivated, upbeat and more confident after the motivational session. I appreciate the team taking time out to share with us their life experience and encouraging us to be all that we can be, despite the odds. We would like to see more of this happening in the homes,” the youngster said.

The MTM team comprised of media personality/empowerment speaker, Emprezz Golding; past wards of the State and motivational speakers, Mrs. Joan Wright Good; Athoy Neil; and Courtney Dixon; as well as members of the Agency’s Public Relations Unit.

Public Relation Assistant, Jennies Baxter gives an empowerment talk to youngsters at the Elsie Bemand Girls Home in Kingston during Child Month.
CDA’s Public Relations Assistant, Jennise Baxter gives an empowerment talk to youngsters at the Elsie Bemand Girls Home in Kingston during Child Month.

The proceedings saw the team interacting with the children through sessions and activities. The youngsters also received tokens such as books, pencils, and bags during various question and answer segments.

The homes that were impacted are Homestead Place of Safety in Stony Hill, St. Andrew; Elsie Bemand Girls Home in Kingston; City of Refuge Children’s Home in St. Andrew; Granville Place of Safety in Trelawny, St. James and Maxfield Park Children’s Home in Kingston.

Other sessions are scheduled to held at St. Augustine Place of Safety in Clarendon; St. Monica’s Children’s Home in Clarendon and Manning Boys Home in Southfield, St. Elizabeth during the month of June.

Motivational Speaker/past ward of the State, Athoy Neil interacts with children, singing “I am a Promise” during an empowerment session recently held at City of Refuge Children’s Home in St. Andrew during Child Moth 2016.
Motivational Speaker/past ward of the State, Athoy Neil interacts with children, singing “I am a Promise” during an empowerment session recently held at City of Refuge Children’s Home in St. Andrew during Child Moth 2016.

The CDA will continue its drive to positively impact the lives of children in State care through it programmes, while providing quality care and protection to the future generation.

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Contact: Child Development Agency

Public Relations Unit

Tel: 967-1614/967-5905

Twitter: @cda.jm

Facebook: www.facebook.com/child-development-Agency

Website: www.cda.gov.jm