Welcome to the Serenity Resource Connector blog! We're excited to share insights from our recent Community Safety and Security Protecting Our Youth Summer Safety Live Q&A Forum. This engaging session, held in partnership with the Area 3 Police and supported by National Self-Serve Wholesale in May Pen, Clarendon, focused on ensuring our youth have an enjoyable and safe summer.
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Meet Our Panelists
Our panel featured a diverse group of experts dedicated to youth safety:
Inspector Angella Williams, St. Elizabeth Division Territorial Officer
DSP Owen Brown, Clarendon Division Territorial Officer
Detective Constable Sandrene Stewart-Lewis, Manchester Division CSSB
Custos Garfield Green, Manchester
Baldvin McKenzie, Parish Manager, Social Development Commission Clarendon
Courtney Berry, Ministry of Education and Youth Region 7
Key Summer Safety Tips
Home Safety
DSP Owen Brown emphasized the importance of home safety, especially when parents are at work and older siblings are in charge. Here are some essential tips:
Kitchen Safety: Children should be cautious around stoves. Ensure they understand the risks associated with hot oil and electrical appliances.
Electrical Safety: Check for loose electrical outlets to prevent shocks.
Pool Safety: Secure access to pools and ensure children are supervised by a trained person.
General Home Safety: Avoid letting children play unsupervised in potentially dangerous areas like bathrooms or with unknown neighbours.
Online Safety
Inspector Williams highlighted the dangers of unsupervised internet use:
Monitor Internet Usage: Keep an eye on who your children are interacting with online.
Safe Shopping: If children need to use credit or debit cards, teach them about protecting their privacy.
Street Safety
DSP Brown also stressed the importance of street safety:
Public Transportation: Ensure children use known and safe transportation routes.
Avoid Displaying Valuables: Discourage children from wearing flashy jewellery or using expensive devices in public to avoid attracting criminals.
Personal Safety
Be Wary of Strangers: Teach children to be cautious around strangers and to avoid isolated places.
Speak to Police Officers: Encourage children to seek help from police officers if they find themselves in trouble.
Additional Insights
In his comprehensive discussion, DSP Brown mentioned the importance of monitoring children’s interactions, even with neighbours. Unfortunately, sometimes those closest can pose a threat, so vigilance is key.
Community Initiatives in St. Elizabeth
Inspector Williams outlined several proactive measures undertaken in St. Elizabeth to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Before the school year ended, police officers visited schools to educate students about safety at home and in the community. These interactions are essential in equipping children with the knowledge to stay safe and make responsible decisions.
Additionally, the St. Elizabeth Division has organized various community activities aimed at building relationships and promoting peace. On June 9th, the police played a football match in Vineyard, sponsored by the superintendent and team. This event was part of an ongoing effort to foster community relations and restore peace in areas facing challenges.
Other notable initiatives include:
August 6th Fun Day: This is a community-wide event featuring activities for all age groups, supported by police sponsorship.
Leeds Police Youth Club Football Competition: Starting June 23rd, this competition involves youth from various groups, not just the Police Youth Clubs, promoting discipline and teamwork.
Siloah Football Competition: Running throughout June, this competition engages youths in positive activities, reinforcing discipline and community spirit.
Back to School Treats: Organized by Yardley Chase Neighbourhood Watch (August 19, 2024) and the Leeds Police Youth Club, these events ensure children are prepared for the new school year.
Throughout these activities, police officers are present to interact with the youth, providing guidance and promoting safety.
National Youth Club Summer Camp
Detective Constable Sandrene Stewart-Lewis from the Manchester Division discussed the long-standing National Youth Club Summer Camp. This camp, exclusive to youth club members, focuses on holistic development—spiritual, emotional, and physical. It offers training in sports, arts and crafts, drama, and educational development, fostering a strong relationship between police and youth.
Participants receive skill-based training and certification, aiding in their personal and professional growth. The camp also aims to occupy the youth constructively, steering them away from negative influences and contributing to a better Jamaica.
Success Stories and Broader Impact
The forum also highlighted success stories from various divisions, including Clarendon, where the Police Youth Club's activities have significantly impacted participants. Initiatives such as youth forums and national fun days provide positive experiences and renewed motivation for the youth involved.
In response to a question from our live audience, DSP Brown emphasized the importance of partnerships with businesses that offer summer job opportunities to youth. These partnerships further contribute to their development and keep them engaged productively during the holidays.
The Role of Parents and Community
Inspector Williams stressed the importance of parental vigilance during the summer holidays. With children spending more time at home, parents must ensure their safety by knowing who their children are with and maintaining open communication. Simple measures, such as informing children about who to expect at home and encouraging them not to interact with strangers, can significantly enhance their safety.
Partnerships and Programs in Manchester
Manchester Division's collaboration with the Beliefs, Values, and Attitudes (BVA) program, led by Custos Garfield Green, aims to instill moral values and integrity in youth. This initiative focuses on fostering patriotism, social responsibility, and behavioural change through various school programs. These include:
Patriotism in Schools: Reminding students of national symbols and protocols promotes a sense of pride and respect.
Peace Ambassador Program: Training selected students to mediate conflicts and promote peace within their schools.
Mentorship Programs: Providing guidance to students identified as needing additional support.
These efforts are crucial in creating a supportive environment for students, enabling them to grow into responsible, productive citizens.
Empowering Communities Through Behavioural Change Camps in Clarendon
In a remarkable initiative aimed at fostering positive behavioural changes among the youth, Clarendon has launched a series of summer behavioural change camps. These camps, spearheaded by the Social Development Commission (SDC) in collaboration with various agencies, have proven to be a transformative experience for both students and their families. The initiative, which began last year, continues to expand, targeting 10 different communities this summer.
A Collaborative Effort
The success of these camps lies in the extensive collaboration between various stakeholders:
The Ministry of Education plays a crucial role in identifying students with behavioural issues through guidance counsellors and Deans of Discipline.
Clarendon Police Division, Restorative Justice and Victim Support Services provide support and resources to ensure the safety and well-being of participants.
Child Protection and Family Services Agency provides expertise in handling sensitive cases involving children.
The National Parenting Commission engages parents in the process, recognizing that lasting behavioural change involves the entire family.
Camp Structure and Impact
The camps focus on critical topics, starting with "Who Am I?"—a session that often reveals the low self-esteem and negative self-perception many students harbour. Through interactive and supportive environments, these camps provide students with the tools and confidence to redefine their self-image. At the end of the week-long camp, many students express gratitude, showing noticeable improvements in their attitudes and behaviours.
Parents are integral to the camp's success. Through parallel sessions, parents learn effective parenting strategies and how to support their children's growth. The creation of a parenting network via WhatsApp ensures ongoing support and advice, fostering a community of shared experiences and solutions.
Expanding the Reach
This year, the camps are set to reach more areas, including Freetown, Central High, Thompson Town, Clarendon College, Claude McKay High, Kellits High School, Milk River Resource Center, Bustamante High and Gimmi-Mi-Bit Community Centre. The goal is to impact as many students as possible, helping them navigate their challenges and emerge as responsible, confident individuals.
Community Involvement
Community support has been overwhelming, with Justices of the Peace, educators, and youth leaders actively participating. The camps have created a ripple effect, encouraging communities to take an active role in supporting their youth. Initiatives like these underline the adage, "It takes a village to raise a child," showcasing the power of collective effort in driving positive change.
How You Can Help
If you are a parent or know someone who could benefit from these camps, reach out to your local Dean of Discipline or guidance counsellor. For more information, you can contact SDC Clarendon at 876-883-4222.
Contact Information
For more details or to get involved, here are the key contact details:
Clarendon CSSB or DSP Owen Brown | 876-902-7988 or 876-849-4747 |
Manchester CSSB | 876-962-2250 |
St. Elizabeth CSSB | 876-634-1231 (office) or 876-388-3425 |
Office of the Custos, Manchester | 876-579-7112 or 876-627-3789 |
Social Development Commission (SDC) Clarendon | 876-883-4222 or 876-817-5888 |
Ministry of Education and Youth Region 7 | 876-499-0760 |
Conclusion and Call to Action
Ensuring our children’s safety requires a collective effort from parents, guardians, and the community.
By implementing these tips, participating in local initiatives, and engaging with the various programs offered, we can help our youth enjoy a fun and safe summer.
Stay connected with us for continuous updates and resources to keep our community safe. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch all our live sessions and stay informed. Visit the Serenity Resource Connector website for more information and resources. Let's work together to make this summer the safest one yet!
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