Distribution 2014

Eternal Father, bless our land
Guard us with Thy mighty hand
Keep us free from evil powers
Be our Light through countless hours
To our leaders, Great Defender
Grant true wisdom from above
Justice, truth, be ours forever

Jamaica, land we love
Jamaica, Jamaica
Jamaica, land we love..."

The first stanza of the Jamaican national anthem always takes me to a reflective place, my childhood. The words written by Hugh Sherlock are one of the first things every child in Jamaica is taught along with the national pledge and their ABC's.

On April 7-8th, 2014 we were fortunate enough to be on Jamaican soil and witness the next generation recite these words with nationalistic pride, we were HOME.

April 7-8th were the dates of our third distribution in rural Jamaica. Our efforts more than doubled this year through your generous donations of  toys and books, we successfully donated  to 1,023 children in 13 schools. The experience left us humbled as always, seeing the smiling faces beaming with excitement makes  this tremendous journey we are on  to raise awareness worthwhile. Each school welcomed us with open arms,we reciprocated  the sentiments by taking the opportunity to talk with principals, teachers and most importantly, the students.

We learned about the challenges and growth of each institution all of which are an extension of the amazing teachers and principals who give so much of themselves to ensure that these children are inspired. During our rap sessions we listened to the limitless dreams of the next generation.

"I want to be a solider miss...", I want to be a singer...", I can run fast like Usain miss, watch...", "I want to be a teacher...", I want to be a doctor miss..." 

Listening to their dreams reminded us how important it is to inspire, nurture and protect these precious thoughts. It is important to listen intently to the dreams of the next generation, through their eyes we get a glimpse of the future,a future we are investing in when we become actively involved in giving back. Through giving back, your efforts have helped us to impact the lives of numerous children. The schools we visited included:

• Newton Primary
• Retirement Primary
• Jointwood SDA Prep
• Elderslie Primary & Junior high
• Elderslie Basic School
• Emma Thompson Basic School
• Johnson Basic  School
• Niagara Basic School
• Niagara Primary
• Elderslie  Baptist Kindergarten
• Nightingale Grove Primary
• Faith Early Childhood Institution
• Merrywood Primary

We want to say a special thank you to everyone who made this trip a success. You are sincerely appreciated and we love you all!!!!!

Much Love & Walk Good!!!

Jamaica's Education System

 Family ,the issue of quality education  being accessible  to all children in Jamaica  has been the source of numerous  debates in Jamaica for decades.  There are many factors that affect our education system  and while it is always tempting to list them,we find that to be counterproductive. We strongly believe it is time we stopped the discussion and started along the clear  path to a viable solution. A solution that  will benefit our children, helping our country to grow as we educate and equip the next generation  with the necessary  skills to succeed.

 Jamaica  has grown tremendously in terms of education from its humble begins, for that they must be commended as they are on  schedule to achieving an 85% literacy  rate for children by the year 2015. This is impressive and we would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated parents, principals, teachers and education ministers who  have worked tirelessly to realize this vision.

We  took the time to review a few statistically reports on literacy  and while Jamaica is ahead  of many  nations, compared to many of their Caribbean  counterparts  they could be doing better.  Jamaica had an overall 87.9% literacy rate while Trinidad&Tobago had  -98.6%,St. Vincent-96%, St. Kitts &Nevis  97.8%, Cuba 99.8% Bahamas- 95.6%, Monsterrat- 97% and Aruba at 96.8%

The need to implement more reading programs in schools while fostering an environment of reading in the homes needs to continue if  they are going to reach and exceed  their goal of a 85% literacy  rate for children.

Other  issues  plaguing the  education system include; overpopulation and under population in schools. Over population  is a prominent issue in urban areas  throughout the island  while underpopulation is prominent issue and a  reason for immediate concerns in  rural areas.

The  Ministry of Education gives a student to teacher ratio of:

 PUPIL - TEACHER RATIO

Infant                     30:1

Primary Schools   35:1

All - Age Schools (Grades 1 - 6) 35:1

Primary & Junior High Schools ( Grades 1 - 6) 35:1

All - Age Schools (Grades 7 - 9) 35:1

Primary & Junior High Schools ( Grades 7 - 9) 30:1

Secondary High Schools ( With Grades 7 - 11) 25:1

Secondary High Schools ( With Grades 12 & 13) 20:1

Technical High Schools 20:1

Agricultural High Schools 25:1

Special Education Schools/Units 8:1

Source:

School Services Division

However  we were able to find student to teacher ratio at  47:1 In  School Field Primary and  42:1  at Hasting Primary in Trelawny. Sharp  contrasts were found in Hanover at Jericho Primary  which had on 28 students and 4 teachers a ratio of 7:1 among others. The underpopulation and overpopulation  of schools in Jamaica is a reason  for much  concern,we are most concerned  about  the quality of education children  are receiving  at both ends of this spectrum. If a classroom is too crowded children slip through the cracks, learning becomes arduous, resources become limited and teachers exhausted.

In underpopulated schools resources are  limited, structures are dilapidated, children are not challenged which results  in students not performing at the recommended level and teacher become unmotivated.

The solution has to be found in the middle which reflects  the student to teacher  ratio represented in the  chart shown above and an environment  that  is conducive to learning at all levels.

The Jamaican government is aware  of these contrasting  issues and has been working on mergers which will be beneficial for the students.

 "This growing challenge cannot go unchecked and we are exploring  several options.... It is something that will have to happen gradually because it will improve the Government's assistance and at the same time we will get better outcomes from the children," Thwaites 

 

  Family, the attached  link will allow you  to take a closer look at the number of schools in the Jamaica, capacity,enrollment etc.

  http://media.wix.com/ugd/db7ac6_01d17a71033443819b419ded02e143b9.pdf

Much Love &Walk Good

Happy Reggae Month

 HAPPY REGGAE MONTH!!!!

 Yes, it is reggae  month in Jamaica. If you were unaware and feeling a little out of touch, don't be,we are  here to get you involved with all things reggae and  the various events that  have taken  place and will be taking place throughout  the month of February in Jamaica. 

What  is REGGAE MONTH
A month long celebration  of reggae  music in Jamaica. The global impact of the music is highlighted and the genres  founding  fathers are celebrated for their contribution along with current artist  from both reggae and dancehall music.

Why is it Celebrated in February
February was  chosen for a variety of reason including, black history month and the fact that two iconic reggae artists celebrated their  birthday in February- Bob Marley - The king of Reggae Music and Dennis  Brown- the Crown Prince of Reggae.

When was it's Inception 

 Former Prime Minister  Bruce  Golding  designated  February, Reggae month  in  2008, making this the  fifth year of celebration. 

Who organizes these events

 Reggae  month is organized  by  Jamaica  Reggae Industry Association who partners with the Jamaica  Tourist  Board.

What Events are schedule  for Reggae Month 2014:

 Reggae Wednesdays- open air concerts  at Emancipation  Park every Wednesday starting  February 2
 Trench Town  Rock
 Tribute to Dennis Brown
 JARIA Trade Show
Honour Awards Show
Epic Sound System Explosion


 For  more information    www.jariajamaica.com

 We  also wanted to  share  some old school  reggae with you .
 Peter Tosh
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLJFRgE4Ywk&list=AL94UKMTqg-9C3nm41WbddIhKh0JJBLyYd
Dennis Brown
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohhXi637ypg&list=AL94UKMTqg-9AjhJ5_oAFZNvo-8DgMMeww

Much  Love &Walk Good

Jamaican Diaspora Summit- January 18-21, 2014

 Family, the past week was filled with much excitement as the Jamaican Diaspora hosted the Advancement in Education  Summit in Jamaica  between February 18-21st. It was promoted as Jamaica's first education summit, with its focal point  being on the critical needs, limitations and strengths of Jamaica education  system.

Being involved with the diaspora and seeing their enthusiasm as they seek to  elevate the Jamiacan  education  system thereby ushering  in a dynamic new approach  to learning for our youth  made us eager to see the results of the summit.
The Advancement in  Education  2014 is a new project that has been endorsed by- Minister of Education Hon. Ronald Thwaites, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Hon. Arnaldo Brown, along with President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, Mr. Mark Nicely.

The Summit was hosted in two locations; with the first being  held on Tuesday February 18th at the Rose Hall Hilton Resort in  Montego Bay, St. James. The second being held Thursday February 20th at, the Cedar Grove Academy in Portmore, St. Catherine. The Summit included presenters from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Ministry of Education, Jamaica Teachers Association, Joint Board of Jamaica Teachers Association(J.T.A),Early Childhood Commission,other key organizations and members of the Jamaican Diaspora and the Jamaican Prime Minister- Hon. Portia Simpson Miller.

As stated by Leo Gilling  Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board Member for the West/Midwest Region of the US "The Education Summit 2014 was developed out of collaboration with the Jamaica Awareness Association of California which conducted a Mini Summit in Montego Bay in June, 2013. The idea has mushroomed into a national plan so that all schools, colleges and universities can  benefit from the potential outcomes of collaboration and the vision of bringing improvements to the overall system of education in Jamaica, throughout Jamaica and remain in line with Jamaica’s Vision 2030."

This  summit was endorsed and attended  by over  400 members  within the education sector  in western Jamaica along with representatives  from around the world. Numerous organizations who have been  championing the cause  for  Early Childhood Education and Education as a whole were represented at the summit.  These included; Jamaica Impact Inc., Crayon Counts,The RKMFoundation, Inc.,Chicago for Concerned Jamaicans,Jamaican American Association  of Northern California, Jalawelo, JAAC, UJAA  and other organizations.

 We are honored to be involved with this movement of reforming the education system  in our Island home.

Family, as you all know we are passionate about our little ones and their learning process.We donate books to schools because we want to promote reading, we donate toys because we want to promote change through the concept of imaginative play.
Education  is vital and it is important  that we all help in championing the cause  for the benefit of our little ones.

Much love &Walk Good!!!


 

I am in Pre-school

We stumbled on this message!!!!!

P&S -Packing and Shipping

  "When I was a kid  my parents moved a lot, but I always found them" Rodney Dangerfield
  
  "People  around  the world  are  moving  from one place to another. No one was staying" Jonathan Safran
   Foer
 
 On January 18th we had our official packing day, we came together determined to get it all done in one day  and we did just that; we lifted,sorted,washed,dried,cleaned,organized and  packed 2  24*48*24 boxes with  toys, books and stuffed animals for our little ones  in Jamaica. The day was too cold to second guess our decision, we were a team on a mission.

Everyone was committed, giving  new meaning to that ancient  proverb " it takes a village to  raise a child', apparently it is also true for packing and shipping boxes of toys to children overseas. The overwhelming demonstration of  human benevolence humbled me. Messages went out, people showed up; -volunteered their homes, time,dedication and strength, pitching in to do every and anything necessary to ensure that we got everything in place for the shippers, who arrived  after  a snow storm  to collect the boxes and get them to the port on January 22nd.

 Words won't allow me to express just  how amazing this entire process was, however, I do believe that these images will be able to paint a more vivid  picture of just how EUPHORIC this process was.

Stuffed toys and Tennis balls

Team Organizer Troy showing the size of the box

Box1- Half packed

Box 1-Fully packed

Happy Early birds- cleaning toys and getting ready to sort through bags

Boxes 1&2  getting taped up

Lifting 400lb boxes is really hard work

Team 1- Boxes in the cargo truck

  Team 1-Exhausted but we have to keep going

Team 2- Unpacking 400lb boxes

Team 2- Cold but focused

Team 2- reinforcing after we had to add a few left over toys

Next stop, JAMAICA W.I
Family, we appreciate  you  in every way and for all you do, your donations made it possible for us to ship these boxes filled with all the toys and books you donated. Don't think for a minute that we are not thankful for your generosity. WE ARE!!!!

MUCH LOVE &WALK GOOD.

People had this idea about becoming rock stars packing stadiums instead of having the goal of becoming what musicians used to be in terms of how they would perform and connect people.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/amandapalm548399.html#dLltMpr9XwW3OqWs.99

People had this idea about becoming rock stars packing stadiums instead of having the goal of becoming what musicians used to be in terms of how they would perform and connect people.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/amandapalm548399.html#dLltMpr9XwW3OqWs.99

People had this idea about becoming rock stars packing stadiums instead of having the goal of becoming what musicians used to be in terms of how they would perform and connect people.

Amanda Palmer

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/amandapalm548399.html#dLltMpr9XwW3OqWs.99

People had this idea about becoming rock stars packing stadiums instead of having the goal of becoming what musicians used to be in terms of how they would perform and connect people.

Amanda Palmer

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/amandapalm548399.html#dLltMpr9XwW3OqWs.99

Post Christmas review in pictures

Family, the holidays  came and went and we never got a chance to wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY CHANUKAH,HAPPY KWANZAA or HAPPY HOLIDAYS. We hope you enjoyed that special time as much as we did. You were in our thoughts even though we didn't update the blog and of course their is still some Jamaican rum cake left  over because you know we had to cut the slices really thin:-) We wanted to shares some of our holiday photos with  you!!! 

Children's Christmas Craft

"One One Cocoa" Christmas Party

"One One Cocoa" Christmas Party

Chatting it up at the Christmas Party

 RKMFoundation "Ornament Drive"

Ornament drive raised $70

Beautiful Ornaments

Snow Day

We love snow days, don't you??

Santa's going for a stroll

We really liked this shot.

Another one of our Christmas favorites!!!!

"One One Cocoa"Christmas Party

Reindeers dashing through the snow!!!!

The little ones

Much Love&Walk Good.

HAPPY MARTIN LUTHER KINGN JR. DAY

 Family, today we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr day. His official  birthday is January 15th. I hope that you are taking a few minutes to reflect on his message and his legacy, share something important with the little ones.  MLK is known  for many symbolic things and for his passionate and life changing speeches. I still cannot listen to his legendary "I HAVE A DREAM" speech without my eyes tearing up or my skin  being filled with goosebumps, it continues to transcend boundaries every time it is played,printed,read or listened to.

However, I wanted to focus on something a little different today. I wanted to show another side to this legendary,iconic figure. I wanted to show him as a mere man who was clearly smitten or hopelessly in love and expressed his love through letters to soon to be wife Coretta Scott. Martin, wrote Coretta numerous letters during their courtship as was customary at this time.The two first paragraphs of the one i will share  is one of my favorites, I felt compelled to share with you guys. I have to be honest, re-reading this made  me want to hand write a love letter, fold it  in that special way and send it to that special person. Who remembers that ????? I know I'm  not the only one and I am mot that  old:-) Family, you know,the ones that you  use to receive with cologne  sprayed all over it or the ones you use to put in mail with hearts, bows and initials in a heart, sprayed with your special fragrance...what!!!!!!

Enjoy this special  letter  from  Martin Luther King  Jr. to Coretta Scott  written  on July 18,1952.

Friday Morning
Dearest,

Fortunately, I am in a better mood today. your letter was sweet and refreshing to my heart, which had well-nigh grown cold toward you.Of course I have become convinced in the last few days that my love for you is based on such a solid foundation that the stormy winds of anger cannot blow it assunder. Love is such a dynamic force isn’t it? It is the most inexplicable and yet the most beautiful force in life. O how joyous it is to be in it. 

Darling I miss you so much. In fact, much to much for my own good. I never realized that you were such an intimate part of my life. My life without you is like a year without a spring time which comes to give illumination and heat to the atmosphere which has been saturated by the dark cold breeze of winter. Can you imagine the frustration that a King without a throne would face? Such would be my frustration if I in my little kinghood could not reign at the throne of Coretta. O excuse my darling. I didn’t mean to go off on such a poetical and romantic flight. But how else can we express the deep emotions of life other than in poetry. Isn’t love to ineffable to be grasped by the cold calculating heads of intellect?

By the way (to turn to something more intellectual) I have just completed Bellamy’s Looking Backward. It was both stimulating and fascinating. There can be no doubt about it. Bellamy had the insight of a social prophet as well as the fact finding mind of the social scientist. I welcomed the book because much of its content is in line with my basic ideas. I imagine you already know that I am much more socialistic in my economic theory than capitalistic. And yet I am not so opposed to capitalism that I have failed to see its relative merits. It started out with a noble and high motive, viz, to block the trade monopolies of nobles, but like most human system it fail victim to the very thing it was revolting against... 

Yet with his basic thesis I would concur. Our economic system is going through a radical change, and certainly this change is needed. I would certainly welcome the day to come when there will be a nationalization of industry. Let us continue to hope, work, and pray that in the future we will live to see a war less world, a better distribution of wealth, and a brotherhood that transcends race or color. This is the gospel that I will preach to the world. At this point I must thank you a million times for introducing me to such a stimulating book. you are sweet and thoughtful indeed....

 Be sweet and remember that daddy loves you.

Eternally yours
[signed] “Martin”
P.S Hope you can read my bad writing

HAPPY MLK DAY EVERYONE. Much love&Walk good!!!!

THANK YOU #3

THANK YOU#3

"No one who  achieves  success does  so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with  GRATITUDE" Alfred North Whitehead

"GRATITUDE is the sign of a noble soul" Aesop

We have launched  the  One One Cocoa  fundraising campaign  for a few weeks now  and we very happy with the progress because  you have been giving your "ONE,ONE COCOA" to help us ship and distribute  the toys and books YOU donated  to the children of rural Jamaica and we are grateful to you and we want to say THANK YOU, as you continue to donate to this cause and help us reach  our goal of $5000.

WE  WANT TO HONOR OUR  MONETARY DONORS.

• LILLIAN REDELL
• ANYA WILLIAMS
• MARIA AQUINO
• BETTY LYZET
• ANDRENE COOMBS
• RAQUEL NOWAK
• JUDITH CAMPBELL
• MARLA MCLEAN
• KEMAR& TRENA MILLER
• LENNOX POWELL
• CAMILLE GARRETSON
• ZALLERSTUDIOS,INC.
• MARGUARITE TOOHEY
• EMILY FILARDO 
• CHRISTINA LOPEZ
• MACK MCPHERSON
• PAULETTE MULLINGS-JOHN
• ANONYMOUS
• KAREN MILLER
• SUZANNE&ROBERT LAWSON
• ASHANI&KATRINA MILLER
• EGLON MILLER
• IVORINE MILLER
• SARAH &THOMAS PLUCK

             
                            "THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SELFLESS GIVING "

Jamaican Christmas Carols

Family,welcome to Jamaica Christmas vibes!!!! These songs bring back happy childhood...ENJOY!!!!

Jacob Miller& Ray I  -We wish you a  Merry Christmas (Dub style)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMPoWKyrDQk

Byron Lee& The Dragonaires Christmas Soca Party

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpJky1160fY&list=PL2IZ4HQzLoeOUMVqBpQXM26oep4JvOIp1&index=12

 Fab-Welcome Home For Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a76G0FpHRRg&list=PL2IZ4HQzLoeOUMVqBpQXM26oep4JvOIp1


Christmas In The Sun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm12ZOOtF7E&list=PL2IZ4HQzLoeOUMVqBpQXM26oep4JvOIp1&index=8

Christmas In The Sun:
(Verse One)
Have you ever ever one day stop to realize
That for home is a tropical island paradise
ooooh there are problems, but we can solve them
But we have no problems with snow and ice

I have never had to ride in a one horse open sleigh
or watch Santa Claus and his reindeer fly away
No roasting chestnuts on an open fire
Roast corn or breadfruit or turkey for christmas dinner

(Chorus)
Down in Jamaica, there's hot sunny weather
and people are warm and friendly all the time
Now it's the christmas season and the fun can't done
so have a joyful irie christmas in the sun

(Verse Two)
Fur coats and mink don't mean a thing to me
Mistletoe, holly, ivy or a pair of ski's
I know 'bout Sowell and the red boy Setter
and John Cunook and Chattin' together, Oh Yes!

(Chorus)
(Verse Three)
So shine Jamaican sun this christmas day
to show them Christ the king is here to stay
In this our country, our land of beauty
and that will keep us all the way

There is sweet reggae music and carols everywhere
and sessions galore, make sure you get your share
Let's enjoy christmas, spread love and good cheer
But don't over-do it, leave some for next year, ohh ho!

(Chorus)(Repeat to end)

Jamaican Christmas Carol#1 - Santa Clause Do You Ever Come To The Ghetto

 This  song was released in 1982 by Jamaican singer Carlene Davis. The words are still relevant in Jamaica today. We thought we would share a classic Jamaican Christmas carol. There are a few more to come stay tuned:-)

Santa Claus (Do You Ever Come To The Ghetto) - Lyrics
Orginally song by - Carlene Davis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ITpUeqbJDw

Santa Claus, do you ever come to the ghetto
Santa Claus, do you ever wonder why we suffer so
Santa Claus, will you come to the ghetto
Santa Claus, we would like to see where your reindeers go.
All year long we've been beating down crime
How we hold on through those hard times
We aint gonna fight, we aint gonna fuss
But where are the presents that you brought for us.
Santa Claus, do you ever come to the ghetto
Santa Claus, do you ever wonder why we suffer so
Santa Claus, will you come to the ghetto
Santa Claus, we would like to see where your reindeers go.
We see you in the papers,
you're on TV giving the toys to some pickney
Wondering what's happening to poor people like we.
Is it because we no have no chimney?
Santa Claus, do you ever come to the ghetto
Santa Claus, do you ever wonder why we suffer so
Santa Claus, will you come to the ghetto
Santa Claus, we would like to see where your reindeers go.
We see you in the papers,
you're on TV giving the toys to some pickney
Wondering what's happening to poor people like we.
Is it because we no have no chimney?
Is because we nuh have big money
Santa Claus, do you ever come to the ghetto
Santa Claus, do you ever wonder why we suffer so
Santa Claus, will you come to the ghetto
Santa Claus, we would like to see where your reindeers go.
All year long we've been beating down crime
How we hold on through those hard times
We aint gonna fight, we aint gonna fuss
But where are the presents that you brought for us.
Santa Claus, do you ever come to the ghetto
Santa Claus, do you ever wonder why we suffer so
Santa Claus, will you come to the ghetto
Santa Claus, we would like to see where your reindeers go.

 Walk Good & Much Love

LALA NGOXOLO MADIBA - Rest In Peace Mandela

"I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death"

 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela - South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

I discover this man, this icon, this legend at the tender age of 8 years. He had  just  been release from prison and the television was on and the entire celebration was being recorded by my mother.She was transfixed in the moment and  everything  that was taking place; Paul Simon sang diamonds on the sole of her shoes, Miriam Makebah (Mama Africa ),sang  her famous Click Song, LadySmith Black Mambazo sang Homeless ,the Soweto choir sang among others and my mother danced. She was so ecstatic and I couldn't understand  what was happening that caused her such joy. As we danced, I asked and  she told me "...Mandela is free,he was imprisoned for almost 30 years and he is free, he is finally free and things are going to change in South Africa."

 I honestly never understood it, but in that moment I accepted her words as truth and I became connected to the words she spoke. I now realized I became connected to that moment through my mother. Although I didn't quite understand the magnitude of the situation I realized that people in other parts of the world where going through difficulties.

"

In my 8 year old mind I thought this man had to be someone remarkable to command this much attention so far away. I listened to any and everything that my parents would say about Mandela and I heard the words Apartheid, fighting, racism, blacks against whites, inequality, differences, challenges,history and to child eavesdropping on conversations those are a lot of fancy words:-)  As the years went by and I learned more about MANDELA,through his autobiographies,articles,numerous books and interviews, I realized that he was far from perfect but he represented the ultimate change.He is evidence that love does have the power to change and that forgiveness can be the greatest weapon given time and the ability to see beyond all the things that divide us and  instead focus on what may unite us.

I am humbled to have lived in his lifetime and it is evident that my sentiment is shared by countless others around the world.This man who revolutionized  the world had such a self-effacing demeanor about him that he recognized and accepted that he couldn't have done it alone.This man who had every reason to be vengeful chose forgiveness,he never forget where and what he came from and he never took anyone for granted along the way.  

 In  2000 he was interviewed by Oprah, he spoke sincerely about his elevated reputation.
"I wanted to be known as 'Mandela,'" he told Oprah. "I knew it was not the contribution of one individual which would bring about liberation and the peaceful transformation of the country. And my first task when I came out [of prison] was to destroy the myth that I was something other than an ordinary human being."
Though Mandela may have been seen as the face of the movement to bring about that peaceful transformation, he acknowledged his role with great humility. "Whatever position I occupied, it was the result of colleagues -- of my comrades in the movement -- who had decided in their wisdom to use me for the purpose of focusing the attention of the country and the international community on me," he said. "Not because I had any better virtues than themselves, but because this was their decision."

Thank you MADIBA for teaching not only through words but by being a living example!!!! 

LALA NGOXOLO MADIBA

P.S. (Those songs and the recording from the celebration would be replayed thousands of times in our  home until they oozed from my pour I still sing "Bring back  Nelson Mandela, bring him back come to Soweto, I want to see him walking hand in hand with Winnie Mandela..oh oh oh ..Bring back Nelson Mandela, bring him back come to Soweto, I want to see him walking down the streets of South Africa, tomorrow...." & "People think  I'm crazy cause I have diamonds on the soles of my shoes, well that's one way to ease those walking blues, diamonds on the soles of your shoes..)I attached YouTube links to a few of these songs. Please listen and share.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFQ1TSzdpRA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAhHGYrzj2M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg4Fp-A7IRw

Much Love &Walk Good

   

 

UPDATE#2 Our Partnership with JAMPACT!!!

JAMPACT Steps Up Its School Supply Efforts to Jamaica with New Partnership and Stronger Volunteer Relationships

We are well into the school year and students and teachers of Jamaica Impact, Inc. (JAMPACT's) adopted beneficiary schools couldn't be more excited and thankful. Thanks to the efforts and generous donations of JAMPACT's sponsors, partners, members and community support, they are well equipped with supplies for the 2013-2014 school year. On Saturday August 14th a team of JAMPACT members and volunteers gathered at Trans-Continental Express Shippers in Queens, New York for the packing of hundreds of donated school supplies and toys collected during JAMPACT's Annual School Supply and Toy Drive which runs from May to August. This year, JAMPACT partnered with the RKM Foundation based in New Jersey and their collective effort grossed ten (10) barrels and four (4) boxes of donated supplies. The dedicated volunteers included a team from Credit Suisse, a financial institution in New York, who meticulously sorted and packed the supplies while sipping "Grace Coconut Water" and other refreshments donated by Grace Foods. 

Type captiCredit Suisse volunteer Darren Malcolm sorting supplies while JAMPACT's Fundraising Chair, Akelia Lawrence-Maitland inventories supplies.on text here.

Education Committee Chair Tassie Scarlett sorting supplies for packing.

After months of collecting donations from a multitude of donors in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and New Jersey, JAMPACT is pleased to have been able to provide school supplies to over two hundred children in its adopted basic schools in Kingst

Volunteers from Credit Suisse with JAMPACT members Angella Golding and Georgia McCarthy packing supplies.

on, Jamaica; Coles, Crescent Road, St. Steven's, and Maxfield Park Children's Home Basic School. "Parents and children really appreciate the help throughout the years; the quality of productsis excellent" says Principal Vassell-Grant of Crescent Road Basic School. In addition to these schools, JAMPACT also provided assistance to five other schools; Islington Basic School in St. Elizabeth, Bottom Leinster Basic School in St. Mary, Nightingale Grove Primary School in St. Elizabeth, Lucea Primary and Esher Primary Schools benefitting an additional two hundred and fifty plus students. The supplies were distributed during JAMPACT's annual membership service trip September 11to16, 2013 where thirteen students also received scholarship through JAMPACT's Sponsor-A-Child's Tuition Program.

Ms. Scarlett handing out supplies at St. Steven's Basic School, with Principal Ms. Fyffe assisting in the foreground.	Scholarship recipients at Coles Basic School
Education Committee Chair Tassie Scarlett distributing school supplies at Crescent Road Basic School during September 2013 Service Trip.	Pallet of Computers and Printers to be distributed.

According to Education Committee Chair Tassie Scarlett, "JAMPACT continues to extend assistance to schools that are not in our Adopt-A-School Program. In addition to the school supplies they already received, we will also be donating computers and printers to our adopted schools as well as to three (3) schools in the Parish of St. Thomas, and Glad Tidings Early Childhood Development Center in Spanish Town. Last year JAMPACT was able to donate five (5) computers to Ebenezer Primary School for their computer lab where previously they had only one and it was in need of repair. The impact there has been amazing." The school reported that 'The children are excited, and want to go to the lab to learn new and exciting things. The attitude of the students has changed, especially the disruptive boys who get quiet and settled when they are in the computer lab.'

Ms. Scarlett went on to say "The success of our annual School Supplies and Toy Drive initiative would not have been possible without the commitment and continued support of our members and supporters. This year, apart from our partnership with RKM Foundation, we were fortunate and appreciative to have had the support of Joe and Jenny Campbell who collected four barrels of school supplies at their annual family and friends BBQ in New Jersey and donated the supplies to JAMPACT for our drive! We are grateful to our sponsors; shipping partner Trans-Continental Express Shippers who along with a generous shipping discount, also provided storage and safe delivery." Other sponsors of the drive included Sam's Caribbean Marketplace in West Hempstead, New York who hosted the launch of the 2013 drive, as well as contributed other in-kind donations. We salute the work of JAMPACT and all its volunteers and donors, and the education committee members for their diligence and commitment in organizing the drive. The combined efforts have made this year's annual School Supply and Toy Drive another huge success. The generosity and willingness of all our supporters have helped JAMPACT fulfill our mission of ensuring that the children of our beloved homeland, Jamaica, are equipped with the necessary tools they need to learn and succeed during their early childhood years. To learn more about this initiative and other work with JAMPACT adopted basic schools please contact Tassie Scarlett at education@jampact.org.

Flat screen computers donated to Ebenezer Primary School in Manchester. Rosemarie Dawkins, Mathematics teacher at Ebenezer supervises her students in the computer lab. - Photo by Dave Lindo, The Gleaner	Members of JAMPACT at 2013 School Supply Launch at Sam's Caribbean Marketplace. Long Island. Back row center Andrew Morris of Sam's, right, Dale Todd, JAMPACT's president.
Donor at School Supply Launch at Sam's Caribbean Marketplace, West Hempstead, Long Island.	Gloria Messam, JAMPACT's VP, & Andrew Morris (Rt.) of Sam's Caribbean Marketplace chooses raffle winner at launch.