Learning & Technology Center for Youth in Jamaica

ROMILLA is 12 years old.  She is brilliant. She is poor.  Romilla's goal is to become Prime Minister of Jamaica. 

Romilla is one of hundreds of disadvantaged children who will benefit the CEF Learning & Technology Center for Youth when it opens in June 2014 in Kingston, Jamaica!  Romilla has no access to technology at home.  There is no computer or internet access.  At high school, there are a small number of computers, and students on Romilla's grade level do not have access.  With meaningful access to technology, we do not know if Romilla will continue on the path of politics or engage in technological endeavors as a profession.  It is very early and she is young, but either way, Romilla is determined to excel.  The latest Grade Report shows she is an "A" student in high school.

You may have previously seen our 25 Caribbean Education Foundation (CEF) Scholarship recipients' photographs and names, and even read some of their biographies. But, you have not read their own hand-writings and see their reasoning and critical thinking skills. Romilla’s essay provides this insight.

Romilla is currently in Grade 7 at Ardenne High, a top public high school in Kingston, Jamaica. In 2013, Romilla was awarded a CEF Paul Bogle Scholarship for the 2013-2014 year, so that she could attend high school.  Public High school is NOT FREE in Jamaica. High School begins in Grade 7.   As an "A" student and "Prefect", in June 2013, Romilla graduated from St. Peter Claver Primary School, which is located in a rough inner-city neighborhood in Kingston.  Romilla's mother is a "working-poor" Seamstress, as she only earns $200 U.S. dollars per month, the minimum wage in Jamaica.  Public High school costs $1,500 U.S. dollars each year to attend.

The following Essay in attachment is 1 of 4 essays that Romilla wrote in her CEF Scholarship Application.

QUESTION: What do you want to be when you grow up? Why?

As you read in her essay, Romilla is critically thinking about professions that are in shortage in Jamaica; and where her skills could best help to develop the country.  In this vein, she aims to be Prime Minister, with an articulate and life-changing platform of access to free education for all.  It is evident that Romilla has a humanitarian heart and wants to use her gifts and opportunities to help others. 

There is an enormous shortage of people in technology in Jamaica, primarily due to a lack of exposure and access.  Once Romilla gains access, exposure and skills in technology through CEF Learning & Technology Center, the sky will be her limit.

Thank you for your generosity in helping Romilla and hundreds of poor children like her to have access to technology, and opportunities to transform their lives.  

Links:

• CEF Website
• LIKE CEF on Facebook!
• FOLLOW CEF on Twitter!

• Romilla's Essay Answer - PDF Version (PDF)
  

As the Caribbean Education Foundation (CEF) gears up for the much-anticipated opening of our Learning Center, we would like to introduce you to one of our Education Champions, Ms. Tanya McLennon, CEF Student Operations Manager for Jamaica.

Ms. Tanya McLennon has exemplary served the Caribbean Education Foundation since January 2010 and is entering her 4-year Anniversary in January 2014.  She is the Student Operations Manager for Jamaica - - the main liaison among the student scholarship recipients, their parents/guardians, the primary schools from which they graduate, and high schools they enter for the next education journey. 

Ms. McLennon explains the reasons she works with CEF, “It is wonderful to be a part of the Caribbean Education Foundation, because I witness daily how CEF is truly making a difference in each child’s education and the lives of poor children.  Without an education in Jamaica, you are going nowhere.  In order to get any job, including lower level, they require applicants to have passed subjects on the Caribbean Examinations.  Job notices say, applicants must have passed “5 CXC subjects”.  You cannot take CXC with without education and money to pay exam fees.  Education is critical to success in Jamaica and poor children need an opportunity.  CEF provides that opportunity.”

On any given day, you may find Ms. McLennon calling scholarship recipients to make sure they have everything required for high school; taking CEF Scholars to bookstores to purchase their textbooks and school supplies; meeting with high school bursars to ensure the school fees are paid; meeting with tutors to get assistance for a few students struggling in Math; conducting primary school tours; or meeting with Principals, Teachers, and Grade Six Coordinators on students' status with the CEF Paul Bogle Scholarship Applications; and more.  Wow!  Ms. McLennon does so much for CEF and the children!  Did we mention she is a Volunteer?

According to CEF's President & CEO, Nikiki Bogle, Esq., "Tanya McLennon is CEF's Education Champion in Jamaica.  Ms. McLennon does solid hard work with complete dedication; and always strives for excellence. She is invaluable to our student operations on the ground in Jamaica."

These are among the many reasons why CEF is very excited to have Ms. McLennon as the Learning Center Manager when we open our doors in 2014!  She is perfect for the position and up to the task.  The students love her and so do we!  CEF knows that the Learning Center will be in excellent hands.

On the Learning Center Management position, Ms. McLennon smiles and exclaims, “I am truly honoured!  The Learning Centre is a natural extension of what CEF already does to help educate poor children.  CEF Scholars will have access to technology, tutoring, and more, which is essential for success.  I am particularly excited, because I will get to spend more time with the children to help them.  I love the fact that CEF Scholars are bright, and simply need help to get their education.  Plus, they are so grateful for the assistance; and have been a joy to be around.”

Ms. McLennon explains why she has volunteered each year, for almost 4 years with CEF:  “Service and giving your time is important.  You may not have the financial resources, but making the time to assist a life-changing cause is important to me.  CEF is changing children’s lives for the better and I am happy to be of service to help make this happen in Jamaica.” 

CEF is extremely grateful for the dedicated volunteers such as Ms. McLennon, and our wonderful supporters like you all, who are helping to make the CEF Learning Center a success for our children!  We need your continued support to make the Learning Center a reality in 2014.

Thank you very much for your generosity!  You make education of brilliant, poor children possible.