Stories

In the early hours of Saturday morning 24 September, 30 Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors and Earlyactors, families and friends gathered at Hummingbird hall in Rosehall for a mission: To raise funds for Christmas hampers for the needy and shut-in around Montego Bay by doing a sponsored walk.

 The President of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay has the wonderful opportunity to choose a project close to her/his heart.

 President Vernella (2011-12) has chosen to focus on Literacy. Her project has three aspects as follows:

1. Reading Clubs in Primary Schools - donation of book boxes to primary schools and encouraging members to volunteer to listen to children read
2. Volunteer Recognition Scheme - Recognizing and encouraging volunteerism among young people
3. Essay Competition - Donation of a box of books to St. James Parish Library from which 3 have to be chosen to do a comparative essay

Presidents of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay have the wonderful opportunity to choose a project close to their hearts for the year of their Presidency.

President Vernella (2011-12) is focusing on literacy, and on recognizing volunteerism among young people (please see news item on Volunteerism)

President's of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay have the opportunity to chose a project during his/her year of Presidency.

President Vernella has chosen three areas of focus:

1. Reading Clubs in Primary Schools - A Book Box stacked with books are donated to six primary schools, with a tag line;  Read to me and I will Read to You (see news item of this title) 

2. An Essay competition based on books donated to the Montego Bay Parish Library

3. Volunteer Accreditation Scheme - This seems to recognize volunteerism among young people, and to encourage young people who do now currently volunteer, to volunteer.

President's Projects Accredits Volunteerism Among Young People in St. James 

 The aim of this project is to establish a Volunteer & Mentorship Scheme with the involvement of 20-25 individuals:

•  Where young adults can gain recognition for voluntary service  through an Award Scheme
• Where adults can mentors children and young people
• To encourage philanthropy in young people & adults
• To give young people the opportunity to develop life skills and experiences that can be gained from giving of their time for  specific tasks
• To give adult mentors the opportunity be a positive influence on children and young people by offering them direction and support.

AWARDS

                                I.            Volunteers and Mentors

·         Volunteer Scheme & Mentorship Awards 

o    5 -11 hours verifiable volunteer – Bronze Award

o    12-23 hours verifiable volunteer – Silver Award

o    24-36 hours verifiable volunteering – Gold Award

o    Open Reference from The Rotary Club of Montego Bay

If you wish to participate in this scheme please send an email to:  rotaryclubofmobay@gmail.com

1. Are you a student age 12 to 19?
2. Do you live or study in the Parish of St. James, Jamaica
3. Do you enjoy reading and writing?
4. Do you like to challenge yourself?
5. Can you be trusted to borrow, take care of and return library books by the required date?
6. Would you like to win a prize for your essay writing?

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, why not take part in the Rotary Club of Montego Bay’s Essay Competition?

• Obtain, complete & return a Registration Form*
• Obtain a copy of the essay title*
• Borrow the books from the Parish Library
• Write and submit your essay by the required deadline
• Good luck!

*Registration forms are available from:

1. The English Language Centre, 2nd Floor Montego Bay Club, Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay (1876 979 2297- please leave a message)
2. The Montego Bay Parish Library
3. Email: rotaryclubmobay@gmail.com

 Shaniek is an Ambassadorial Scholar, sponsored by The Rotary Club of Montego Bay.

She is studying at The University of Leeds, in the North of England. Here she gives an interesting summary of her experiences.

 It includes some useful advice to potential Ambassadorial Scholar applicants.