“What do you want out
of life? It’s a very big question, and in many ways… it’s a very personal
question. But when you get right down to it, as different as we all are, the
things we’re searching for in life are essentially the same. You want be happy.
You want to feel good. You want to do more things that contribute to your
country in a positive way.” -Jim Rohn, Philosopher
Hello! Thanks for returning to our
blog. 2012 has been a remarkable year for the JN Foundation's ACT!ON Jamaica volunteer
corps. With your help, we were able to positively impact hundreds of persons
via the numerous projects that were executed. As was expected, we had several
volunteers who worked very hard to ensure that these outreach projects ran
smoothly.
Chevanese Peters is an exceptional
individual who takes pride in giving back to her country. Ever since she joined
the ACT!ON Jamaica her live has not been the same.
“I heard about ACT!ON Jamaica through the Rotaract Club of
UWI, Mona. And after the first volunteer
project I did with JN, I knew I had to be a volunteer,” Chevanese beamed. She went on to explain, “doing projects for golden-agers, children and disabled persons encouraged
me to participate in as many projects as I could. The goals of the programme
are in line with my own in that I’m excited about giving back to Jamaica. I
enjoy doing what I can to help someone in need, even if it's to ease their
burden for one day or put a smile on someone’s face.”
When asked what pop culture phenomenon she would like
to see go away Chevanese responded, “Many young girls lack self esteem. I would like to see
young girls stop allowing men to degrade them. Our women need to be strong,
independent and proud of how far they have come.” She added, “I
also think that [some] women need to behave less vulgar, especially in public,
and they should try their best to improve their etiquette skills.”
Chevanese first volunteered with ACT!ON Jamaica in April
2012 where the volunteer corps hosted a Pre-Easter Treat for residents of
Cluster H, a facility for elders left in the state’s care, in Vineyard Town,
St. Andrew. Since then, she has participated in all subsequent volunteer
opportunities offered by ACT!ON Jamaica. “I like
that fact that the programme offers varied experiences. So far, I’ve gotten the
opportunity to work with both ends of the spectrum: from well established
institutions to the grass roots ones including working with the homeless. All
the other volunteers I’ve met so far are also passionate about lending a
helping hand, which is great because it means that there are good persons are
still out there.”
Recounting her most memorable experience with ACT!ON Jamaica she related, “Working with the volunteers on Labour Day
2012 was a memorable experience for me. There were about 150 volunteers
presented who helped to paint the Danny Williams Primary School for the Deaf in
less than ten hours. But nothing can measure up to the experience I had with
the other volunteers at the Pre-Christmas treat for Cluster H in Vineyard Town
last December. We had a whale of a time interacting with the seniors. Who knew
that such fragile bodies could hold such rich, vibrant and energetic souls?
Their stories are beyond me and simple sweetness of their acceptance is
refreshing!”
Thumbs up Chevanese and all the
other volunteers who worked hard to make 2012 a memorable year! We’d also like
to mention Shereca Whyte, Webster
McDonald, Llamond DeCambre, Judith Walker-Patterson Damion Thomas, Candice
Charlton, Emma Lewis, Maylin Lyew, Esco Castro, Neville Charlton and Doreen
Scarlette for their outstanding contribution to the programme. Guys we can’t thank you all enough!!!
Are you interested in becoming a
volunteer? Become a member of ACT!ON Jamaica by filling
out the application form at the following link: http://ow.ly/g7Mc7
We’re looking forward to working with you (ˆ⌣ˆ)ง