Yesterday was a busy one for YOU. On Monday, May 27, YOU will host its Annual Parenting Seminar in partnership with First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union. So we attended the official Signing of the Memorandum and Understanding, along with the Hon. Rev. Education Minister Ronnie Thwaites, representatives from Jamaica Teachers’ Association and the National Parent Teacher Association.

In true Jamaican fashion, it was an event with many speakers, including some wonderful testimonials from the above-mentioned. This is YOU’s 13th year hosting the seminar, which aims to provide parents with practical tools, skills and concepts to improve their methods of raising their children. As Mrs. Scott said, “We are a nation on a mission, and we must keep that hope alive.” She also made one of the most wonderful analogies I have ever heard, comparing children to morphing caterpillars. “If the cocoon is broken too early, then what you have is not a butterfly but a broken insect. We have to allow children to become beautiful, wholesome human beings,” she said.

After Mrs. Scott’s speech, a young man named Jacquile performed a poem. Here are some words from it:

“When I am cold, they give me shelter,

Because they loved me.

When I am lost, they come find me,

Because they loved me.

When I feel dumb, they let me know I am smart,

Because they loved me.”

It never ceases to amaze me the amount of courage a child must have to perform something they create in front of a group of adults, including the Education Minister, who then spoke about the importance of Early Childhood Education and setting an example.

“We who are in authority must be an example,” he said. “It is extremely important that we recognize that children live what they learn. The most important thing any of us can do as Jamaicans is to become a parent,” he said, adding that his parents have been together for 41 years.

After these words, a group of four girls from MICO Primary School performed a few songs, accompanied by their instructor on a keyboard. We then ended with an intense round of photo ops and the formal memorandum signing. Wish us luck on the Parenting Seminar on Monday and have a wonderful Labour Day (In Jamaica)!

And a special thank you to YOU’s new intern Stefanie, who came all the way from Germany for 12 weeks. She saved me by brining her camera along yesterday and took some great pics. Thanks Stefanie!