THE JPS FOUNDATION
CONNECTION A PUBLICATION OF THE JPS FOUNDATION
NO. 9
SEPTEMBER 2014
WWW.MYJPSFOUNDATION.ORG
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PAGE 3 Contact us: 935-3514. foundation@jpsco.com. facebook.com/jpsfoundationja. twitter.com/jpsfoundationja
2. EDITORIAL
OH HOW time has flown. The JPS Foundation—the not-for-profit philanthropic arm of the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd.— is all of one-yearold! Established in August 2013 as the main channel for the JPS’ employee outreach initiatives and corporate social responsibility projects, we embraced a mission to contribute to national development by supporting projects that will improve lives and strengthen communities. To this end, the Foundation has provided technical and financial support to programmes in early childhood education, youth development, community entrepreneurship and energy education. It’s been a fulfilling journey serving our communities and supporting the company’s robust energy revolution. By doing so, we have helped to fulfil three of the company’s six Corporate Goals — ‘Achieve Winning Influence’, ‘Make More Friends’ and ’Put the Right People in the Right Place’. STAFF SUPPORT People are at the heart of what we do— we operate to serve and uplift those in need and we do this through our strong army of volunteers within JPS. On both levels, people move us to be better, to do more. Indeed, all we have achieved would be greatly devalued if not for our team members, our most committed partner. In our first year, you enthusiastically elected to be engaged in several support roles, such as a JPS Foundation Liaison to help promote the Foundation’s works in the parishes and as a JPS Foundation Energy Mentor to help guide students who are involved in special science and energy related projects. Even before these opportunities for involvement were launched, there were many long time volunteers helping the company to connect and give back. These persons were specially recognised for their selfless contributions at the first ever JPS Foundation Volunteer Awards—and we intend for this to be an annual event.
The number of basic school students who are assured a daily meal through the JPS Foundation Nutritional Support Programme.
The number of basic, primary and high school students educated on matters of electricity generation, transmission and distribution as well as energy efficiency and conservation through direct visits to schools, energy challenges and the first ever JPS Foundation Summer Energy Camp.
The amazing increase in Employee Giving through salary deductions since our launch, plus more than 1,000 employees have given of time and talent to projects to date. The number of youth leaders being developed through local and global exposures in social and economic development. The number of schools under the Model Schools programme benefitting from enhancements, including the provision of electricity, fans and refrigerators for to the York Town Basic School; secure fencing and playground at the Falmouth Gardens Basic School and security wall and floor tiling at the Rennock Lodge All Age School to facilitate the opening of the Infant Department in January 2014.
LEARNINGS AND MOVING FORWARD With each step taken as the ‘newbies’ on the charity block, we also learnt important lessons as we sought to make an indelibly positive impact on the people and country we serve. We have definitely learnt that developmental work is never truly finished and it takes tenacity, grit and plain gumption to create the change we want to see. So now, as we step into our second year, we do so with bold confidence backed by support from our team members and external partners and the full knowledge that we are helping to create a better Jamaica for all. We have adopted a new look (a cleaner, crisper visual identity) and a new outlook (a revised vision and mission) to chart our way ahead as operate in closer alignment to the company’s core business unit. We are excited to reveal these enhanced changes to our mandate and invite you to help us realise our new Vision to “Unleash national growth and prosperity by being the not-for-profit partner of choice in Jamaica’s Energy Revolution” and to help us live up to our Mission—our promise of change — of “Improving lives and empowering Jamaicans through charitable development projects in Energy Education, Conservation and Innovation.” As we move forward, we are strategically focused on two goals— serving as a catalyst for innovation in energy and technology and educating and driving behaviour change in energy efficiency and conservation. Thank you all for enabling us to empower others and stimulate the growth of our country during our first year and we look forward to journeying together to create even greater differences.
3. VOLUNTEERISM
ARE YOU feeling a thirst to give back and make a difference? Well, you can quench that desire by participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge! The original Ice Bucket Challenge, which is being done to raise funds for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), has been globe trotting for the past several weeks, so no surprise it would reach our shores. Inspired by this bone-tingling, blood-curdling movement, the Customer Care Centre at the JPS Head Office stepped up and got drenched on August 7 to help raise funds for the construction of security fencing at the York Town Basic School, our JPS Foundation Model School in Clarendon. In addition to braving the cold, the team also donated just over J$4,000 - then challenged others to shiver for charity. If you’ve been challenged but are too faint-hearted, your department can still contribute the ‘penalty’ of J$5,000 to the cause. Thanks to the CCC team for initiating and special big ups to: 1. Deidre Wedderburn 2. Olysia Cato 3. Nadia Clarke 4. Shanice Morgan 5. Amanda Nelson 6. Colin King (thrower) 7. Akeem Bennett (thrower) 8. Chanar Giscombe (thrower) 9. Rimona Rowe 10. Kareem Haynes 11. Moya Davis 12. John Henry 13. Sheryl Davis 14. Vonessa Boothe 15. Andre Latchman So if you’re thirsty to give back, why not get wet?
4. VOLUNTEERISM
ON SATURDAY August 16, the JPS Foundation partnered with the Kiwanis Club of Eastern St. Andrew to help refurbish sections of The Walkers Place of Safety. Dubbed “A Service Day in Summer”, the JPS Volunteers On Location To Serve (VOLTS) helped with repairs to the Home which houses thirty (30) children who are orphaned, abandoned or mentally challenged. The team unhesitatingly assisted in providing a general clean-up of the yard and removal of useless items, leveling of
the driveway and the play area and the laying down of a child-friendly turf. Gina Tomlinson and DeOmar Manning also delivered lessons on energy efficiency and management to the home’s staff and residents as well as to teams of volunteers from other organisations. A big thank you to: Sade Ellington, Simoneese Williams, Madison Gordon, Shoshanna Hanniford, DeOmar Manning, Kelly Tomblin and son George, Sherika Frater, Silina Patterson, Courtney Whyte, Gina Tomlinson and Nicola Cooper.
6. ENERGY EDUCATION
“BannaBags project a #ForceForGood” INNOVATION. RECYCLING. Energy Efficiency. The BANNABAGS Project, a social initiative of the JPS Corporate Communication Department, is a timely and needed solution that is benefitting students all across Jamaica. The brainchild of Social Media Manager, Tricia Williamson, unused vinyl banners are converted into attractive, sturdy and waterproof bags which present an alternative to traditional expensive bags for children in need of support with school supplies. As part of Phase 1 of the project, 100 backpacks and pencil cases are being donated to students in need of back-toschool support in September. In the next phase of the project, which runs from October to November 2014, other companies to partner with the BannaBags project and donate their vinyl advertising material. This will create a larger supply of source material to create more bags for children across Jamaica. The bags are produced through a collaborative effort with HEART Trust NTA/ GARMEX Academy. Material and designs are supplied by
JPS and the bags are manufactured by the institution. This creates temporary employment, an opportunity for skills training and the utilisation of unused material. Winsome Callum, Director of Corporate Communications, says, “It’s a simple idea with many benefits and it is a great way of breathing new life into unused advertising. Plus, we hope to reach even more students in need by year-end through partnership with other companies.” “Our BannaBags project is more than just an idea, it is about making ideas happen and turning them into a #ForceForGood,” Williamson shares. “We have extended invitations to companies across Jamaica to support our movement and help us create 1,000 BannaBags by December 2014 and Corporate Jamaica has been truly excited to come on board as our partners!” The first beneficiaries of the BannaBags Project have been bright, young students in need of back-to-school supplies, including students attending the JPS Foundation Model Schools and children nominated by employees.
7. YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
THE GIRLS have now joined in the fun! Our two recent EWP scholarship recipients—Deborah Fletcher and Rocque Ferguson—have safely landed in Korea and are fully immersing themselves in the culture as they prepare for their latest—and most awesome– scholastic experience. Being bubbly Jamaicans, they have also made fast friends with other students. Here are some highlights from their first few weeks in Korea.
CAPTION: At left, Deborah Ferguson takes a leisurely scenic stroll, while at right she enjoys a fan she got as a gift for very ably singing the Korean folk Arrirang.
CAPTION: Rocque Ferguson (centre), is flanked by new global friends, Rose from Uganda and Korean national, Jenny who offers both her and Rose extra lessons in Korean.
8. YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
SENATOR IMANI Duncan-Pryce and fashion icon Althea Laing delivered powerful messages in their respective sessions during a Double Power Session held on August 22 as part of the Young Women Leaders Development Seminar series. Senator Pryce, who seems to have mastered the art of ‘work-life’ balance, shared with the young women—and a few JPS female leaders— how to meet and hurdle 21st century leadership challenges. Following her insightful presentation, Althea Laing schooled the ladies on how to present the right image to be taken seriously as leaders. She touched on elements of social graces and shared pointers on how to dress for success. Thanks to Veronica McCurdy, Silina Patterson, Camille Lumsden-Dwyer, Gina Tomlinson, Kathryn Archie and Ruthlyn Johnson for sharing in the discussions.
Imani Duncan-Pryce: “Change the Game” “Shift the Conversation” “Support Each Other” “Show your Passion” Althea Laing: “Supersize your Thoughts” “Create your own Sense of Style” “Cleanse your Spirit” “Stay True to Yourself”
9. ENERGY EDUCATION
THE JPS Foundation team continued to explore ways to engage students in energy education over the summer. So when Gina Mair invited us to present to her little ones at her annual GREENCamp, it was an offer we just couldn't refuse. With support from Courtney White, DeOmar Manning and Kemesha Vassell—the Foundation’s own Young Women Leader beneficiary— we delivered a lively energy conservation lesson to the three to ten year olds. The younger students let creativity reign as they coloured their JPS ‘Colour with Energy’ colouring books under the guidance of Kemesha and JPS Foundation Manager, Nathelie Taylor. Simultaneously, the older children were engaged in energy efficiency discussions with Courtney and DeOmar. And each child left their respective sessions with gifts of pencils and balloons. But it wasn’t just the children who were delighted with the visit. One parent, Shawn Lewis, shared his appreciation for the lessons taught. In a message posted on the JPS Linkedin page, he wrote: “My daughter was a part of this group and enjoyed every moment of this session. She was able to share with me what she learnt about energy conservation... Good job! She was happy about getting the balloon and pencil too :-).”
Above and below: Kemesha Vassell and Nathelie Taylor talk to the students about the energy images they were colouring.
Courtney White (left) and DeOmar Manning share energy efficiency and conservation tips with the older students.
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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