In October 2024, the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica received a grant of about CAD $25,000 from the Canadian High Commission for a project focused on developing students’ psychosocial, academic, and professional skills. The project, managed by the Oscar Romero Centre for Youth, supports students from Alpha Vocational Training Centre (AVTC), Jessie Ripoll Primary School, Alpha Primary School, and the Alpha School of Music.
Activities include IQ testing, educational planning, individual and group counselling, gender-based violence workshops, parent support sessions, play therapy, and an off-campus retreat.
Parent Support Workshops
As part of the project, 20 parents/guardians from Alpha Vocational Training Centre attended the first parent support workshop on October 31, which focused on gender-based violence (GBV). The topic was selected due to the high prevalence of GBV in Jamaican households, with many students first exposed to it by witnessing violence between parents or other relatives. The workshop included an interactive discussion on what constitutes GBV, its impact on children, and strategies for responding to or preventing GBV. The attendees, mostly mothers, were very receptive and eager to share their own experiences and perspectives. Future parent workshops will cover non-violent discipline, stress management, and healthy communication.
GBV Sensitisation Workshops
In the same vein, age-appropriate GBV sensitization workshops were held with students from both primary schools from November 25, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Due to the sensitive nature of this topic, each class of students were split into groups of boys and girls so that each session was delivered to students of the same gender. Workshops were led by an ORCY social worker and an external facilitator who held open discussions regarding the definition and types of GBV; causes and negative effects; and means of responding to or preventing GBV. Role playing, arts and crafts, and other interactive activities were done throughout the sessions to maximize student engagement. More mature GBV workshops are also being held with students from the Alpha Vocational Training Centre. This, of course, all ties in directly with the Sisters of Mercy’s critical concerns for non-violence and women.
Youth Retreat
From November 22 – 24, 30 AVTC students attended an off-campus retreat centre outside of Kingston to promote social bonding, prosocial behaviours and life skills within an idyllic, peaceful environment. Guided by trained youth mentors, students engaged in workshops, team building activities and sports to learn skills like teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership. This retreat also offered these young men a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of nature in a peaceful setting away from their familiar inner-city environments. Notably, the meals served were partially sponsored by the Mercy Fund for Ministry grant received by ORCY in 2023. This was a very meaningful time for both students and staff and we look forward to staging a second retreat in the future.
The overall grant-funded project will be completed in February, 2024 and will conclude with a closing ceremony to be attended by students, parents, school staff and the Canadian High Commissioner. We are so grateful for this opportunity to empower our students to address our critical concerns and embrace the Mercy Core Values through this important project.
