Educate a poor Jamaican child

Christel House Jamaica (CHJ) students have been awarded national honors in categories of music, speech, and drama. The CHJ Tablet Band’s musical performance of “One Love in the 21^st Century” won the National Award for Excellence in Musicianship while 2nd grader Kumar W. (pictured with CHJ supporter Archana Gidda Bailey) was judged Best Storyteller. “Kumar was celebrated for his performance,” says Vivien Morris, CHJ Speech, Drama and Visual Arts teacher. He was also honored for Best Speech Overall for his Jamaican folktale, “Anancy and Hog,”and for Best Male Costume. “Amazingly this was his very first effort on a performing arts stage.” Morris adds Kumar has inspired his classmates. “I am really proud of him. This is only the beginning for a child like Kumar.”

The CHJ Tablet Band includes six student members, from kindergarten through 3^rd grade – Aaron S., Christoya S., Rojay R., Kahelle T., Sasharie C., and Yacoyio C. CHJ Music Facilitator, Dalton Spence, says his students were inspired by Jamaican athletes winning gold medals at last summer’s Olympics. “I told them that there is greatness in you, too,” he shares. “You can accomplish great things and you can win medals, just like them – if you are willing to work hard.” The children were committed, rehearsing during holidays and Saturdays. “And now, 11 months later, they are national champions in music!” Spence notes that parental involvement was important to the children’s success. “I developed a strong partnership with the parents and let them realize that this requires a team effort between parents and teacher.” Spence is proud of what his students accomplished. “I know I have taught them a valuable life skill,” he says, “that will help them to be successful not only in music but other areas of their life.”

What's the best way to teach classroom rules to youngsters? For Dalton Spence, Christel House Jamaica music facilitator, it’s as simple as creating a fun and catchy tune. “There are two main things that are important for the proper running of my music class,” says Spence. “Students need to respect each other and listen to each other.” Being a music teacher, he created a song about the classroom rules and found the children enjoyed it so much they would happily sing along. “It was important not to name them “rules” so I titled the song “How To Be Amazing!” Spence believes in his students. “I use music to develop in them this attitude which I believe will make them successful in any area or subject they will undertake,” he says. He’s proud of the success at Christel House. “In all my years of teaching, I must say Christel House really provides a great learning environment for our most vulnerable Jamaican children.”    

As students return to Christel House Jamaica (CHJ) for in-person classes, plans are underway to offer skills training opportunities for their parents. And parents are excited about the possibilities.

“The program is part of a collaborative initiative with the Jamaica Human Employment and Resource Training Trust/National Training Agency,” according to Tracey Ann Anderson, CHJ Principal. “This will provide sustainable outcomes for the community and the country in general.” Parents are enthusiastically signing up for the skills training program. The agency will perform an applicant assessment to determine qualifications for plumbing, construction, and other jobs. “Since some parents cannot read, they’ll have the opportunity to enter a high school equivalent program,” says Anderson. “They will be able to take classes for basic reading and writing before they matriculate into the skills training area of the program.” After only one year, Anderson can see the tremendous impact Christel House is having in Jamaica. Students are learning and parents are engaging with the school. “We provide a safe and caring environment where the children can be afforded a quality education and other social and emotional support that will help break the cycle of poverty.”