Exclusion versus Empowerment
Taking a serious look at teenage pregnancy in Jamaica. What is the crime? Who are the victims?
Learn MoreBack to School: Are you S-E-T? Mr Alexis Goffe speaks
Back to School: Are you S-E-T? Mr Alexis Goffe speaks on Smile Jamaica TVJ about parents being S-E-T – establish a STRUCTURE, plan a healthy weekly menu to ensure ease of shopping and nutritious EATING and last, but not least…make time to listen and TALK to your little student this term.
Learn MoreBack to School: Eat smart! Nutritionist Kerry Weatherly speaks
Back to School: Eat Smart! Mrs Kerry Weatherly speaks on Smile Jamaica TVJ. There is no “bad” food or “good” food. Listen in and learn some tips on the right WAY to feed your school-age children.
BREAKFAST: hot or cold cereal with milk and a fresh fruit make a quick, nutritious and affordable breakfast
LUNCH: send your child to school with a fresh fruit even if they are getting lunch at school.
Even on a budget, you can serve the SAME FOODS prepared in different ways, and keep food interesting! Choosy kids enjoy being given the opportunity to be a part of the decision making. Get them involved!
Enjoy the video 🙂 and please share your comments with us.
Learn More
back to S-C-H-O-O-L tips for parents
Here are some tips for parents to keep in mind as we dive head first into BACK TO SCHOOL!!
SLEEP! A good night’s sleep is essential for the brain to process the day’s activities and lessons. Children 4-8 years old need 10 hours of sleep a night. A one hour nap before 4 pm can be a good supplement and should not affect falling asleep later. Children 8 to 11 years need 8-9 hours while teenagers (11-15 years) need MORE sleep than their younger siblings: 9-10 hours a night. Discuss bedroom rules, hours of sleep and a wind-down routine with your kids. No cell-phones, computers or televisions are to be on (or even accessible) during sleep time. Keep them in another room if necessary. Institute a reasonable bedtime the week before school starts.
NO! No caffeine.
COMMUNICATION! Your child needs to talk to you about school. Where will you find five dedicated minutes to listen? How about no electronics while commuting to and from school; or at mealtime together; and even 5 minutes before ‘lights-out’ at bedtime? With no television, cell phone or computer, your child will know you are ready to hear from them.
HOMEWORK! Create a homework spot, well-lit and away from distraction. Let your child pick out their own style of desk accessories, a cork board (for great test results and upcoming projects) and a jumbo calendar. Personalizing the space makes it easier for children to sit and tackle the task at hand. No Excuses!
OPEN-MINDED OPTIMISM! It’s a clean slate, a new beginning, a fresh start. Expect the best. Work hard. Block the negative messages you may hear about the new teacher, the new student or the new syllabus. This is an Olympic year: Go for Gold!!
LUNCH! Now more than ever parents are aware of the cost of buying lunch on-the-road and the low nutritional value of many pre-packaged snacks. Shop purposefully. Encourage your children to help make their own lunches as a part of their “winding down” every evening. Home-made sandwiches, a fruit (or two) and an igloo of ice and water can be prepared from the night before, and will be cheaper and healthier than “ a patty plus tax”. WATCH this video featuring some more tips from our nutritionist Kerry Weatherly.
A little planning ahead and a lot of agreement on goals can result in a fruitful year for every member of the family not just the ‘schoolaz’.
- S Sleep
- C Communication
- H Homework
- O Open-mindedness
- O Optimism
- L Lunch
Strong Body. Healthy Mind. Solid Foundation.
This is an edited reproduction of our editorial as it appears in the
Back to School Supplement of the Jamaica Observer
Friday Aug 17, 2012
Learn MoreSuggestions To The Growing Problem Of Child Sexual Abuse In The Caribbean
It seems as though leaders are unable to formulate solutions. Here are a few:
Why not start with schools? Add a class on setting appropriate physical boundaries to the curriculum, and make it a part of health and fitness. Being healthy means that we’re fully functional in mind, body and spirit. Make the curriculum more inclusive, and teach our children the importance of saying “no.” Most importantly, teach them that it’s ok to speak about uncomfortable situations, especially when they are told not to. In many Caribbean homes, parents are afraid or don’t know how to address the difficult issues. This is one area where the system should step in to fight the battle through education.
Why not start with a change in perspective? In our society, victims are made to feel as though the incident was their fault. Children who survive sexual assault and live to tell the tale are then plagued with unnecessary guilt because society generally lead victims to believe they somehow contributed to the attack. Meanwhile, molesters, rapists and abusers go on to lead “happy” lives molesting other children. A change in our environment cannot take place until Caribbean communities change their perspective on sexual assault. How could we facilitate change? By starting a campaign, by broadcasting public service announcements, by making the solution an initiative to improve neighborhoods, it is quite possible to change the thought process.
Why not start with zero tolerance for sex offenders? Yes, one strike you’re out. Being molested is an experience that stays with the victim forever. Since victims have to put in a lot of work to manage this trauma, why shouldn’t offenders be punished heavily the first time?
Click the link below for more straight shooting suggestions…
There is a growing call for action ACTION action. Will you join the movement? What suggestions do you have to share that can stem the tide of child sexual assault that floods our Caribbean shores?
Learn MoreEducation officers in Jamaica: what do we know about them?
In an article published in the Gleaner today Education Minister of Jamaica has made an appeal and cast a challenge to the Education officers of Jamaica.
“It is unacceptable. Let us make it quite clear. It can’t go on like this. The role of the education officers has to change. They have to be held more accountable and this is why we are putting the emphasis on early-childhood education so that diagnosis can be done early,” said Thwaites.
Acting Permanent Secretary Grace McLean said while psychosocial analyses are detecting a number of problems with some of the children, the education officers will be given mandates to ensure improved performance.
Education officers in the cross hairs – Lead Stories – Jamaica Gleaner – Sunday | July 1, 2012.
What IS the current role of an education officer? What tools are available to help them serve the school children of Jamaica? Who do they report to and how? This calls for research on our part. We welcome your insight and comments.
Learn More