This morning, I ran uphill for 20 minutes. It was a steep incline that left my lungs and legs burning. I did not stop, though, not once. I went with a few members of the running group, early, even before the sun was up. So it seemed we had the city to ourselves, especially on the deserted roads that took us up to a hill overlooking Wickie Wackie Beach.

It was the kind of run that provided a few good reminders for me as I deal with some challenges lately. Last week, the water in my apartment was shut off as some people were delinquent in paying their bills (apparently the National Water Company changed the water metering system, which resulted in bills more than doubling). This was extremely inconvenient, needless to say. Then, my lap top decided to die without any warning. After a long ordeal that involved me sending it with a colleague to Memphis to be fixed (I was told by Apple there is no authorized service provider here. WRONG!), it would not have been fixed in time to have been brought back. So I am now waiting for it to be fixed from what they have diagnosed as water damage. I have never spilled anything on it, that I know of. I have been told it could be the humidity here. The warranty does not cover water damage, but may cover the effects of humidity. Fingers crossed. So I have been on the phone to Apple trying to sort this out. I now have a new friend named Denis who is promising to do what he can to help me with this problem.

This all comes at a time that I am trying to keep up with my day-to-day job, blogging, two major projects due in the next couple of weeks and various other activities I am involved in. Needless to say, a writer without a laptop is catastrophic.

Okay, maybe it is not so bad. I keep reminding myself that this will all pass. And my friends and family are all ok, at least for today. As am I. I am able to run up a mountain without stopping for two kilometers.

Which brings me back to what running has taught me over the years and what it does for me when things in my life seem to be exploding. I have learned that our body and mind are capable of way more than we think. I have learned that if you just put one foot in front of the other, it will all get done at some point. I have learned that if you concentrate on the totality of all that is in front of you, it is overwhelming, so concentrate on what is right in front of you, with only glimpses far ahead to keep things in perspective. Things usually have a way of working themselves out, time smoothes them over and before you know it, you have new worries and the old ones are long gone. I have learned that a challenging run (and life) is a lot more pleasant with someone at your side. Even with no words exchanged, to hear them labouring is a comfort. This morning, my mind and body were telling me to stop, telling me I was past my limit, but I kept my eye on friend ahead, his steps steady and precise. This is another thing I have learned: to ignore the madness in your mind. There is always a lot of noise going on up there in your brain. You can choose to listen and succumb to the chaos and negativity when things are tough, or you can acknowledge, move on and concentrate on the positive. I have learned too, that if you breathe, spread oxygen about your body, you will calm down and regain perspective and will be better equipped to act with wisdom. And this morning I was reminded, as I reached the top of the hill and Kingston all of a sudden was sprawled out before me, that things can turn out better and more breathtaking than you could ever have imagined possible. It is a journey, and it is worth it.

So please forgive this cliche-ridden post, but I must remind myself of the things I have learned that will get me through this challenging time. And please forgive the lack of blogging. I will post as often as I can until my laptop is fixed.

Yesterday, Youth Opportunities Unlimited hosted its Annual Parenting Seminar in Kingston. Roughly 200 parents, children and professionals turned out to hear several speakers, including the Honourable Lady Allen (the Governor General’s wife).

This was the 13th year in a row and the event is endorsed by the Ministry of Education, the National Parent-Teacher Association, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association and the Jamaica Baptist Union. I live tweeted the entire event, which was an experience in itself, given the fact that all technology surrounding me seems to be exploding this week.

In any case, the event was full of useful information and the audience seemed fully emotionally and mentally invested in the topics. I will now take you through the day’s proceedings.

We opened with some powerful words from YOU’s Executive Director Mrs. Georgia Scott, who never fails to inspire. She discussed the importance of family and its role in nation-building, as well as some touching information about her close relationship with her son. Juvenne Montague Anderson of First Heritage Caribbean Credit Union (the event’s sponsor) then spoke about her company’s commitment to nation-building and to lend a hand to those who may fall through society’s cracks.

(A note: it is interesting to see how many events like this are adopting the mandate of Vision 2030, which is a national effort to make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business. There was some concern, even a year ago when I moved here, that people are not catching on, and while this may be true in the general population, it seems to be at the tipping point for the corporate and civil society community.)

Then Lady Allen spoke about building a solid future for Jamaica through education. “A nation of parents will ultimately harm the community when they do not enable education values. That is inaction. We have to strive to do the best for our children,” she said.

After Lady Allen spoke, Diahann Gordon-Harrison of the Office of the Children’s Advocate delivered a shocking message. She spoke plainly about the abuse of children in terms both graphic and numeral, and she underlined the importance of parenting as the most important job in the world. “Parenting is in fact a serious responsibility. If every parent in Jamaica approached parenting as a job, we’d be better off as a nation,” she said. Children see far too much violence, she stated, then went on to list some eyebrow-raising statistics:

There are over 1,000 incidents of abuse per year in private homes.
261 fathers and stepfathers sexually abused their children last year.
The same number of mothers and stepmothers did the same.
Mrs. Gordon Harrison also highlighted the fact that abuse is not just sexual or physical. It is neglect and children in need of care and protection.
In 2012, there were 4,428 cases of neglect and 3,040 cases of children in need of care and protection. And these are just the cases that are reported.

After this sobering message, the crowd was treated to inspirational songs from Miss Allison Roberts and the national anthem was played by saxophonist Dwayne Foster. Mrs. Scott made sure to instruct people how to stand during the anthem (eyes straight ahead and arms by your side, no fidgeting) and she did not start until everyone conformed.

The main presentations were then heard, with Janet Brown of the University of West Indies Sociology Department speaking of the importance of protecting and communicating with our children. Children must learn from the earliest possible age that they are valued. This will build confidence and teach children skills that will enable them to navigate the world. In addition, parents should do a lot of self-reflection and feel free to share their experiences, both positive and negative with their children. And apologize if they make a mistake, which the crowd really liked. Brown also addressed bullying, saying that if children experience it at home, they will likely carry it over to the rest of their lives and possibly bully others.

Perhaps my favourite quote from Brown was that love is not just a feeling, it is an action, and that we must love others, even when (or especially when) we don’t feel able to. Brown was followed by Major Neil Lewis who discussed how we must protect our children and the community’s role in this. (My Internet cut out at this point, hence, no more Tweets). It was an interesting presentation in that it incorporated a Christian perspective.

After Major Lewis’ uplifting message, a drama troup called Eagle’s Christian Troop presented a disturbing piece about abuse. The evening was closed with another piece from saxophonist Dwayne Foster (who is a YOU mentee!).
(Due to technology issues, I have pictures but cannot transfer them right now, so please forgive the quality of the Twitter pic.)

Short post today for the following reasons: I am just back from Ocho Rios, where we had a Cuso retreat. On the way to the YOU Parenting Annual Parenting Seminar. My MacBook Pro just died on Sunday (just after telling someone Friday night I have never had any problems with it and recommending it for this reason. Goat’s mouth, this is called, according to a Caribbean friend; I jinxed myself) for no apparent reason. It had never given me any problems before and no warning. I forgot my phone charger in Ocho Rios and my phone is dead with no minutes anyway. I don’t have the password for my wireless at home to use the laptop a friend loaned me. All this to say that it is a perfect storm for a communications person. Wish me luck. The laptop is off to the States to be fixed later this week. Have a good Monday.

It is Friday! It is also a busy day ahead for me and then the volunteers are headed up north for a team-building retreat. Check out the link below for the latest issue of the Cuso Chronicle. It is put together by a team of us and tells you about what we are all up to here in Kingston. Enjoy your weekend!

CUSOChronicleApril2013-1

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!

Today marks the fourth anniversary of a horrible fire that killed seven young women in a juvenile detention facility. Armadale was its name, and these young women, along with 16 others, had been “locked down” for three weeks in conditions not even fit for an animal. The girls tried to escape one night, and in an attempt to stop the commotion, an officer threw a tear gas canister in the room, which ignited the fire. Click this link to read a first-person account from a young woman named Krystal.

These young women, deemed “uncontrollable,” had been placed in detention for various crimes. Twenty-three girls had to share seven bunk beds; they only had access to one toilet during the daytime; they were served cold food with no utensils; they could not leave the room and they received no education. They were also witness to abuses of fellow detainees and were treated with disrespect by the wardresses.

In commemoration of the Armadale fire, dub poet and performer Randy McLaren has produced this brilliant and powerful documentary. Please watch it and take a minute to think of these young women and how we must never let this happen again.

May is Child Month in Jamaica, which I wrote a bit about the other day. In honour of Child Month, Unicef Jamaica is engaging in a public awareness campaign about some of the challenges faced by the nation’s children. As part of the campaign, Unicef is telling  unbelievable stories from children who face things that not even an adult should have to deal with.

Unicef’s campaign hinges on social media, and it is engaging a “Street Team” of local “influencers” to help spread the message. It really is a unique and innovative way of reaching young people and those who are active and vocal on social media. As opposed to traditional media campaigns, social media is so much more interactive and instantaneous and allows for discussion and exchange of ideas. Perhaps as a result of this, it seems more conducive to encouraging immediate action.

In any case, the campaign tells the stories of individuals like Itisha, who was raped by her uncle at the age of 12. She later learned she had contracted HIV as a result. The story ran in the Gleaner the other day, and it is a powerful message of hope and survival. Listen to Itisha talk about her ordeal:

“I put on a plastic smile and told everyone I was good,” she reflects.  “I withdrew from everybody. I had nightmares and would get up and cry until daylight sometimes. I did not know who to talk to, so I got out a book. I started writing everything I was feeling.”

Luckily, Itisha found support from a social worker named “Mr. Brown,” who told her during a moment of crisis the words she had always needed to hear: “I am with you, always.”

Racquel, who is also profiled in the article, was not so fortunate in terms of finding a supportive environment. Racquel was raped by her stepfather and as a result, was infected with HIV. Initially, Racquel felt alone with this horrible truth, but she ultimately found support through a Unicef program and then local NGO Eve for Life, where she became fast friends with Itisha. Both women are now thriving and are no longer solely defined by their past experiences.

The Gleaner is running these stories in partnership with Unicef Jamaica, which, through its Adolescent Health and Empowerment Program, works to provide policies and services that reduce vulnerability and infection rates amongst youth.

I encourage you to visit Unicef Jamaica’s Facebook page or look up hashtag #WeMatterToo on Twitter. Or just click the link about and read the Gleaner’s story.

Yesterday we ventured to the parish of St. Mary’s for a hash hike. It was called Fanso Beach, or Robin’s Bay Beach and it was definitely not an area you would easily stumble upon. It was beautiful though, with the trail taking us uphill for a good part of the hike to lead to stunning views of the ocean. We also came upon what looked like a hotel mid-construction that had been abandoned. Or, “drug money that got catch,” as a fellow hiker put it. On the drive home, we stopped to get some fruit and vegetables from a roadside stand. The mangoes are in season and I have never seen them so large and colourful. Have a great Monday!

May is officially Child Month in Jamaica. This month honours children and raises awareness about the issues they face in this country. Here is a link to the message from the Child Development Agency of Jamaica, and an excerpt below:

Nevertheless our society continues be a place where children are not as safe as they should be. Children continue to be exposed to the negative aspects of our culture, and subject to neglect, abuse and acts of violence at the hands of persons in their families and communities.

Unfortunately, this country is not always an easy one to grow up in, but officials do work towards remedies for this. They are currently updating the Child Care and Protection Act and the media and NGOs certainly do their part to raise awareness of human rights as they apply to children. All this to say that last night we attended a banquet in the community of Mountain View in honour of Child Month. We were invited by Ann, who seemingly keeps this community together with the help of several other leaders. It was a fantastic show: there were drama performances, dance crews, individual dancers (Percival did a respectable Michael Jackson impersonation), and food!

There were probably about 150 children and they got the seats of honour. They were also served first: soup, chicken, peas and rice, salad, and of course, ice cream and cake. They were also treated to an inspirational talk about how special they are from Ruth, a representative from the Ministry of Youth and Culture. Then, the children all got up on stage to dance. It seemed, between that and when the ice cream and cake were served, that control was about to be lost as they were so excited, but the adults regained some semblance of order. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. Hopefully, the children felt honoured and special, as Ruth entreated them to.

Every day, anywhere from 70 to 120 boys from the ages of 12-16 put on blue shirts emblazoned with the YMCA logo and gather at the headquarters at one of Kingston’s busiest intersections. These boys are part of the YMCA’s high school for those who have been referred to this alternative learning facility. They have exhibited behavioural or social problems and attend this day program to learn the normal things you would learn in high school. “Empowering for Change,” is the slogan and the program receives funding from the government’s HEART Trust/ NTA. The boys receive a $50.00 per day stipend if they attend classes.

Mrs. Sarah Newland-Martin, administrator for the program, says it allows the boys to learn skills that allow them to proceed successfully in the future. “The program has facilitated a lot of our youngsters who come from adverse condition,” she says, adding that one young man (nicknamed Chicken) is now completing his doctorate. When the success stories return to visit, Mrs. Newland-Martin says, they remind her just how much trouble they gave her, then they tell her “‘The Y helped me to be the person I am today because of the program,'” she says.

There are forms 1,2,3 and four and in addition to subjects like math and grammar, they can be trained in welding or barbering. The day I was there, they were engaged in a peer leader’s meeting in which they discussed recycling. Apparently, the recycling project they had undertaken was so far not as successful as they had liked: people were missing the receptacles they had identified. So they came up with a plan to weld open a drum and put signs on it to identify the right place to collect recycling, which is not so popular in Jamaica. A company is now collecting the bottles every week.

The facilities are modest, at best. Almost all the desks we sat at were broken, the roof is tin and the walls need paint. Fans or AC are needed in most rooms. Also on the day I visited, the boys were tallying up a list of repairs needed in each room in advance of Labour Day next week, when Jamaicans typically engage in community-improvement projects. A group will come into the YMCA to paint and do other repairs this coming Labour Day. As Miss Diana Taylor, the co-ordinator of the program told me, “What we really need is a proper building. These containers get hot,” she said.

In addition to Miss Taylor, I met Jason Tan de Bibiana, a young man from Toronto who teaches reproductive health to the boys. Jason has a Master’s degree in public health and was sent to Kingston for five months by the YMCA of Canada for this purpose. Jason says his program creates a safe space for the boys to discuss challenging topics like HIV/AIDS, sexual activity and whatever they don’t feel comfortable sharing elsewhere. “Here, they often have a lot to share,” Jason says, explaining that in comparison to the high schools in Canada he has taught at, people are often to shy to speak up about these difficult topics.

The pictures I took are of a typical day. I attended a peer leader’s meeting at which the boys discussed the recycling project. I also visited the barber shop, where a haircut was taking place. It is a lively place clearly providing a healthy path for some of Kingston’s young men.