THE JPS FOUNDATION
CONNECTION A PUBLICATION OF THE JPS FOUNDATION
NO. 8
AUGUST 2014
WWW.MYJPSFOUNDATION.ORG
PAGE 2
PAGE 4
PAGES 6 & 7
PAGE 11
Contact us: 935-3514. foundation@jpsco.com. facebook.com/jpsfoundationja. twitter.com/jpsfoundationja
2. ENERGY EDUCATION
JPS Foundation successfully hosts first Summer Energy Camp
IN AFFIRMATIVE action of its commitment to energy education, the JPS Foundation engaged 31 students in its first ever Summer Energy Camp in July! Months of supporting schools’ science, environment and energy fairs led to the design and implementation of a programme that would intensely immerse students in everything energy— and have loads of fun doing so. Hosted at the JPS Sports Club on Ruthven Road from July 14-25, the camp focused on explorations of electricity generation, transmission and distribution; renewable energy, and environmental and social issues, with lessons delivered by JPS Staff members as well as lecturers from UWI and UTech. The camp also featured trips to the JPS Rockfort Power Plant in East Kingston and the Munro Wind Farm and Maggoty Hydroplant in St. Elizabeth. At the end of it all, they graduated proudly as energy ambassadors with a few of them being specially recognised for extraordinary performance. JPS Foundation Manager, Nathelie Taylor, notes the camp was a part of the Foundation’s mandate to empower Jamaica’s young people. She says the “JPS Foundation recognised the need to capture the imagination and creativity of Jamaica’s youth in an effort to engage them in finding solutions to the country’s energy challenges” as the Foundation continues to improve lives and empower Jamaicans through charitable development projects in Energy Education, Conservation and Innovation. She adds that the spin-off is expected to be even greater as the students were exposed to content that will allow them to reach and influence their peers, their households and wider communities. The students were from Ardenne High, Charlie Smith High, Denham Town High, Jose Marti Technical High, Norman Manley High, Tivoli Gardens High, Kingston College, Kingston High, Trench Town High and Vauxhall High.
3. ENERGY EDUCATION
CHILDREN ARE frequently asked this question but oftentimes they have been ill-prepared to answer in a way that shows an understanding for what adulthood and having a career really means. The JPS Foundation Summer Energy Camp fully immersed students in lessons on all things energy, giving the students detailed and technical insights into aspects such as electricity generation, renewables and safety. But the goal of the two week programme extended beyond creating knowledgeable future energy employees and customers. We wanted to also help groom these young people to become responsible adults; to help them begin charting a course for success starting now. So it was with great pleasure that we partnered with Junior Achievement (JA) Jamaica to host a personal development and career planning session as they kicked off week two at the camp. Delivered by Process Manager for Junior Achievement Jamaica, Yanique Taylor, the JA Careers with a Purpose course introduced the students to the importance of seeing careers as a way to realise their life potential and noble purpose. Through this programme, they were
able to better grasp the importance of positive values, life maxims, and ethical decision-making within the context of career and life decisions. For almost four hours, they were involved in self-actualisation activities and professional explorations as they built on skills such as analysing information, building self-confidence, categorising data, oral and written communication, public speaking and team work. Through the use of student-friendly materials, the course content correlated well to state-approved social studies, English, and Math standards, as well as the Common Core State Standards in English/Language Arts. At the end of the session, they all received a certificate confirming their participation in a life-altering experience.
4. ENERGY EDUCATION
“I found the Energy Management session very useful. I was taught how to conserve energy and how to use it wisely so we can manage our JPS bill.” Akeem Francis, Charlie Smith High
“I was interested to learn more about the cost of electricity and why electricity bills are so high. The session about ‘Making the link: Disconnections, Reconnections and Repairs’ taught me how to read the meter and how to find out if someone has illegally gained electricity. Through all of this, I now understand that it’s not JPS’ fault why the light bill is so high but the way we use it.” Curwin Reckford, Kingston College
“I enjoyed the session on ‘Making the Link: Disconnections, Reconnections and Repairs’ with Mr. Oswald Smiley. It has given me a chance to understand how to read the meter and how it works.” Renaldo McDonald, Trench Town High “I wanted to know more about electricity so that I can be able to help solve real life energy situations. I usually hear about the negatives of JPS like, the cutting off of light, giving high bills and not providing a good service. But, I received hands on experience during this summer energy camp as to what JPS has to deal with on a day to day basis and I can now say I will have a pretty positive view about them from now on.” Kerry- Ann Thomas, Denham Town High
“I now have a positive view about JPS. I understand that each customer is responsible for their light bill and I also understand that JPS is trying to make it better for customers by introducing other methods, such as solar energy.” Tamalee Pottinger, Norman Manley High
Something
TASTY is coming in October
So, How Hungry Are You?
6. ENERGY EDUCATION
“Should be an annual event” THE JPS Foundation Summer Energy Camp should be an annual event and should encompass grades 7-11 of all high/secondary schools where necessary. I was somewhat impacted as a presenter, in that the students from these inner city schools were eager to learn how energy is generated and some of them even wanted to become an engineer like myself. It also allowed me to take a look back on my life knowing that I was in a similar situation without this form of guidance and they can do well too. I think the JPS Foundation came on board at the right time. It allows the wider public to see a different side of JPS and to demonstrate that we do care about youth development. - Oswald Smiley, St. Thomas Parish Manager and facilitator of the Day 1 session on Disconnections and Reconnections
“A valuable initiative” I SEE the energy camp as a valuable initiative. It engaged youth in activities that will benefit them for years to come, both personally and professionally. Listening to their feedback and testimonies during the graduation
- Yanique Taylor, Process Manager, Junior Achievement Jamaica and facilitator of the Day 6 session on Careers with a Purpose
“Expand to more schools” AN EXCELLENT idea which will hopefully be expanded to encompass more schools and more students over time. It gave JPS an opportunity to explain who we are to the future bill payers who will hopefully have a better understanding of why we do what we do and how we do it. I was impacted. I realised that we have a tremendous natural resource, our young people who, if just given a chance could be global leaders in their respective fields. The young minds and how they thought made me recognise that the solutions to our national problems can be solved right here by locals. The JPS Foundation is doing an excellent job in highlighting the softer side of JPS. More publicity will hopefully be given to this and hopefully more JPS staffers will participate to make this angle of our business more visible and vibrant. - Fabian Lyew, JPS Key Account Manager and facilitator of the Day 3 session on Energy Efficiency & Conservation
ceremony, it was evident a whole new world was exposed to them during the camp. Some spoke of being proud to be able to explain what is happening in their community when they see JPS at work on power lines. Others spoke about being more conscious of how they consume energy and understanding how to read their monthly bills. These students now have a voice when it comes to JPS and ongoing conversations about energy use in Jamaica. That to me speaks volumes in terms of building our citizenry for future engagement in the country's development. When I was invited as a guest presenter, I wasn't sure how it would be received, but I was pleasantly surprised by the level of engagement and profound feedback the students all had during the course of the day. They developed a sound understanding of the differences between a job and a career and the key steps they need to take if their goal is to have a career that fulfils their purpose. It is always inspiring to see the wheels turning in their young minds until it all begins to make sense to them and the light bulb goes off. It was wonderful working with them. The JPS Foundation connects businesses and communities, helping to improve the lives of their customers. Initiatives supported through the Foundation such as the summer energy camp are important to nation building and also builds the morale of JPS employees who get to see their company in a different light and feel as they belong to and contribute to much more than just providing electricity. Keep up the great work!
7. ENERGY EDUCATION
“A perfect vehicle for JPS’ image” The Summer Energy Camp was a perfect avenue and vehicle for JPS to transform its Corporate image through these high school students. I was impressed by their insatiable interest in JPS' entire business chain. They understood the concepts and implication of losses, heat rate and in that very forum gave solutions on how the company can/should combat these problems. They even went into challenging the presenter on how JPS optimises the economics of its expensive assets used in the Gas Turbines. For a relatively young organisation, the JPS Foundation has already impacted positively on the image of JPS and despite the limited resources, its direction and resolve continue to outperform my personal expectations. - Andre Modest, Manager, Generation Technical Services, JPS and facilitator of the Day 1 session on Electricity Generation
“An invaluable and priceless intervention”
“I was humbled by the students’ level of interest” I think that the Summer Energy Camp was a great idea. We are sowing the seeds for a more informed generation in the future. The students will be our consumers and employees in the near future. I would love to see a larger number of students the next time such a camp is organised. I was humbled by the level of interest shown by the students. If I am asked to assist in the future I will be happy to do so again. I believe that the JPS Foundation is doing a good job around the island. As it expands, I would like to see more assistance given to special education schools. - Alston Watson, Manager, Expansion Projects, JPS and facilitator of sessions on Safety and Renewable Energy on Days 2, 7 and 8
Any intervention that enriches and expands the educational and career awareness of inner-city youth is invaluable. The students were intrigued about the science and technology behind electrical energy and the role they play as a JPS customer. At the graduation, I saw how excited and motivated they were and I am sure a few are already planning to contribute to the continued generation of affordable and environmentally friendly energy. It’s very hard to make any kind of presentation to eager young minds without being impacted by their keen sense of awareness and hunger for knowledge. They spoke their minds and engaged in open discussions. This is the kind of intervention we need to motivate and challenge them. Kudos to the JPS Foundation for the work they are doing in sensitising young minds to energy and how they can prepare themselves to get involved. Such interventions by the JPS Foundation are priceless. I do hope that they continue this great work as I am sure the rewards and benefits will be tremendous in the years to come. - Dr. Paul Aiken, Head, Mona School of Engineering, UWI and facilitator of the Days 1 and 5 sessions on Engineering
8. ENERGY EDUCATION
EXCERPT OF SPEECH GIVEN BY MR. BRIAN RICHARDSON, MANAGER, OIL & GAS, PCJ AT THE SUMMER ENERGY CAMP GRADUATION, JULY 31, 2014
FIRST OF all I would like to thank the entire team at the JPS for inviting me to be the guest speaker at today’s graduation ceremony. It is always a pleasure for me to share my thoughts about energy because not only is it my job it’s my passion. And having looked at the course outline and some of the areas of energy the graduates were exposed to, I hope some of you now share that passion. Or, at the very least, I hope all of you now view energy in a different light. You may have come to this summer camp totally unaware of all the ways we use energy in our daily lives. But now that you have a deeper understanding of what it takes to generate electricity, I hope it will lead you to use energy more wisely. Even at your age, practicing energy conservation and using energy more efficiently is absolutely critical.
“Every single one of you can make a difference in Jamaica’s energy future.” affordable cost. In many industrialised countries like the United States and Canada, Governments, Policymakers and even Private Sector interests, who are seeking to encourage energy efficient lifestyles and behaviours among their populations, are increasingly targeting young children and adolescents.
YOUTH ARE VITAL So anyone who thinks that the youth cannot have an impact on a country’s energy agenda can think again. Young people are a vital demographic in any nation’s drive to promote energy security. To this end, I commend the whole team at JPS for having the insight to EXPENSIVE COMMODITY implement initiatives like this sumEnergy is an expensive commodity mer camp which help our nation’s and at the end of the day, it all adds youth to gain a deeper understandup! ing of some of the energy challenges Basically, the cost and supply of oil Jamaica faces… there are plenty of can change at the drop of a hat. opportunities for innovative and Every now and again you might hear creative youngsters like yourselves to about a “conflict in the Middle East” come up with solutions. or “unrest in the Persian Gulf”; or a And with the knowledge and exponatural disaster like an earthquake or sure you gained from your summer hurricane might affect an oil produc- programme, I certainly hope that ing nation. That usually means some of you will consider careers in there’s less oil available and the price energy. will increase. As a country that From the technical side, to the doesn’t produce fuel, Jamaica is at a business aspects and in areas such as disadvantage because so many facproduction and marketing, the possitors can impact on the price of oil. bilities are endless and the opportunities are there for the taking. PCJ SOLUTIONS I want to encourage all the I am proud to say, that my graduates to adopt energy efficient company, the Petroleum Corporation behaviours from now and to develop of Jamaica is directly involved in lifestyles which include energy finding solutions to Jamaica’s energy conservation. On top of that, I urge challenges. all of you to become energy ambasIf we were to discover oil, that sadors at your schools and within would be a game changer for our your communities and families. country because it could mean a Every single one of you can make a reliable energy supply at an difference in Jamaica’s energy future.
9. ENERGY SUPPORT
NADISHA’S BRAND NEW SHOES “Hey, I put some new shoes on, And suddenly everything is right, I said, hey, I put some new shoes on and everybody's smiling, It's so inviting, Oh, short on money, But long on time, Slowly strolling in the sweet sunshine, And I'm running late, And I don't need an excuse, 'Cause I'm wearing my brand new shoes.” - Paolo Nutini, “New Shoes’ These just may the words that Nadisha Muttler is now singing after receiving a pair of industrial standard boots from St. Thomas Parish Manager, Oswald Smiley. Mr. Smiley met Nadisha when he presented to her and her Electrical Installation class at the St. Margaret’s Human Resource Centre in April. He was very impressed by her passion for the electrical field and became a mentor to the young woman. When she approached him to help her get a pair of work boots, there was no hesitation on Mr. Smiley’s part and he gifted her on July 4. Today Nadisha is stepping even more briskly and confidently into her future. Thanks Mr. Smiley and continue to shine Nadisha!
EXCITED ABOUT ENERGY! KSAN Field Services Manager, Renaldo Chambers, gets animated during a presentation on energy to children attending the Kencot Seventh Day Adventist Church Vocational Bible School during the summer. The activity was held on July 9 on the church grounds. Chambers, who is a JPS Foundation Energy Mentor, spoke about electricity generation; energy conservation and efficiency and careers in energy to the students aged 8-14 years.
10.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
OUR BOYS in Korea remain on top of their game. Gavin Myers and Leon Samms, the EWP/JPS Foundation first two scholarship recipients, continue to do well in their respective post-graduate degree programmes at the Yeungnam University. According to the latest update from Leon, “we are consumed with coursework for this short jam packed semester. We had two field studies this in July. Unfortunately, there wasn't much of a celebration on our part for Emancipation and Independence because of our busy schedules. All in all we have gotten into the rhythm of this semester and have been working our groove.”
While focused on their studies, the duo who have become best buds, have also been involved in extra-curricular activities. They are also excited to welcome and support two other scholarship EWP/ JPS Foundation recipients — Deborah Fletcher and Rocque Ferguson— who will begin studies in August. Deborah will pursue a Programme in Global e-Policy and e-Government at the Graduate School of Governance, while Rocque will study Public Administration at the Graduate School of Public Administration, Seoul National University. Leon and Gavin shared with us pics, including a selfie, from a trip to the EWP’s new location in Korea.
CAPTION: Leon Samms (left), and Gavin Myers take time from their hectic post-grad schedules to snap a selfie during a tour of the new EWP offices in Korea. We are loving this sleek and modern space.
11.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Kemesha Vassell is a Chemical Engineering student at the University of Technology (UTECH), and was one of the 80 summer workers in the JPS Summer Employment Programme this year. She works at the Hunt’s Bay Power Plant in the Efficiency and Chemistry departments and learnt new and exciting things about the reverse osmosis system as well as performed copper and iron tests on water samples! Kemesha shares that being at the Power Plant is a “valuable learning experience”. So much so, that she requested an additional few weeks to be able to complete her required hours of lab experience. She adds that she is also learning things daily from the JPS team at the who are very supportive. She encourages young people to get out there and get hands on experience in their field by working during the holidays. She also advises that in addition to gaining experience “you also get to expand your network and learn how to handle the world of work.” Since she started in the summer employment programme, Kemesha reveals that she has become more conscious about the way she uses electricity as she now has a first-hand look at Jamaica’s high energy consumption.
“You get to expand your network and learn how to handle the world of work” “I experienced activities which made me want to get up each morning and go to work”
Alshadane Wright is looking forward to entering her second year at the Northern Caribbean University, where she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Mass Communications. But before that, she wanted to experience the world of work and chose to be assigned to the JPS office in her hometown of Portland. Between June 30 and July 25, she had a fulfilling experience, one which she calls “one of a kind.” According to her “the noticeable fellowship and the love shared among staff makes the work environment a home away from home. JPS Port Antonio is definitely the place to send a resume!” She was heavily involved in several activities which made her excited about work every day. “I experienced and was exposed to "after-work workouts"/exercise sessions, customer appreciation day, an e-Store launch/opening and other activities which made me want to get up each morning and go to work.” The most fulfilling part of this experience for her though was seeing the responses of customers after receiving quality service, guided by the JPS mission. “JPS Port Antonio seeks to deliver good customer service, impacting lives through a team of inspired and committed employees, which I am happy to be apart of.”
NOTICE THIS RED APPLE? CONNECTION
REACHES MORE THAN
3,000 READERS
IN ALL
14 PARISHES THROUGH MAJOR
MEDIA CHANNELS
ADVERTISE IN CONNECTION AND GET NOTICED TOO! BOOK your desired size ad no less than ten (10) days before the next publication date. SUBMIT artwork to foundation@jpsco.com in JPG or EPS format. Artwork must be camera-ready, at least 300 DPI resolution and emailed no less than seven (7) days before the next publication date. PAY via cheque made payable to the JPS Foundation, 6 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5. CONTACT THE JPS FOUNDATION FOR MORE DETAILS: 6 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5 935-3514/935-3531 foundation@jpsco.com nataylor@jpsco.com/slambert@jpsco.com