Some 240 students
across the island will participate in the Junior Achievement Jamaica (JAJ)
programme through a partnership with JN Fund Managers Limited (JNFM).
Annette
Clayton Baker, Vice President for Marketing & Public Relations at JNFM said
the goal was to target students in the vulnerable 15-24 age group. Junior
Achievement Jamaica provides entrepreneurial, financial literacy and workforce
readiness skills which are essential for those entering the working world.
“The
programme will take the students beyond financial literacy,” she said. “And, the
knowledge and skill sets to be taught will prove invaluable as they choose
careers and learn how to manage their resources efficiently and effectively.”
Ms. Clayton
Baker pointed out that the schools to be included in the programme are Ardenne
High, Titchfield High, Wolmer’s Boys, Kingston College, Calabar High, St.
Hugh’s High, St. Jago High, Vere Technical, Holmwood Technical and Herbert Morrison
Technical.
“Many highly
successful business persons began to hone their entrepreneurial skills while in
high school,” she stated. “We want more of our young people to have that
opportunity.”
JN Fund
Managers along with the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Foundation,
will sign the agreement with the JAJ at Ardenne High School in St. Andrew, on Tuesday,
September 18.
Alphie
Mullings-Aiken, President of JAJ, said the programme is based on partnerships
between the business community and educators; and involves volunteers, who
share their experience with young people about creating and managing wealth, as
well as developing the entrepreneurial spirit.
Children as young as age five, are
taught practical skills related to money management, entrepreneurship and the
world of work. These skills are progressively strengthened through the
age-appropriate modules delivered by JAJ up to age 24.
Mrs.
Mullings-Aiken said that Junior Achievement, is an international organization
that collaborates with school administrations to implement practical programmes
throughout the academic year.
“The goal is
to provide students with financial and management skills, which allow them to
contribute to economic development,” Mrs. Mullings-Aiken said. “The exposure will
enable students to find gainful employment, create their own employment, or
gain the skills to access higher education.”
Saffrey
Brown, General Manager for the JNBS Foundation said, “Children are even more
motivated to learn when they believe that other people are interested in them
doing well.”
Volunteers
from the private sector offer students personal insight into the working world
to prepare them for successful careers, Ms. Brown stated. “Students also
discover that through innovation and imagination, they can go on to create their
own jobs.”
