Ms. Hudson will work with ten boys between the ages of 12-18. The project had its official launch on October 15, 2001 under the theme “Getting Beyond The Past”. Special emphasis will be placed on mentorship. This involves creation of:

• a comfortable environment for dialogue
• motivational talks
• career counselling
• a link between the Kiwanis Club and the home

Some major events to be undertaken:

• counselling sessions
• dinner/treat
• attendance at Church Service
• excursion day – visit to Belvedere Estate
• concert and cultural show

The highlight for the month of October surrounded National Heroes Day. Miss Hudson attended the National Heroes Day Church Service on Sunday, October 14, 2001 at Kingsvale Church, Hanover.

At the Awards Ceremony Linda was asked to do a salute to the National Heroes. Her salute emphasized the contribution of our Heroes and the need for every Jamaican to examine their contribution to nation building. She stated that we should ensure that we continue the "fight and causes" for which our Heroes stood.

Linda also did citations for six (6) unsung heroes in the parish.

NOVEMBER

On Sunday, November 25, 2002 Linda visited the Copse Place of Safety where a counseling session was conducted. This proved to be a fruitful exercise as the boys freely expressed their resentment towards their parents and other authority figures in their lives.

In encouraging them, she emphasized that they should not reflect on the past too much, but should instead focus their attention on the future, over which they have all control.

Linda will be meeting with the President of the Hanover Kiwanis Club, which have themselves adopted the Copse Place of Safety, for an update on their plans for the Place. She has pledged to work with the Club to ensure that a positive and significant impact would be made at the Copse Home by the end of the year.

Ms. Leslie launched her project -Mt. Olivet Boys Home on Sunday September 30 at the Andrews Memorial United Church, Ward Avenue. The home houses forty-five boys and is directed by Mr. Gilman. The home also houses a preschool and is run by a total of nine (9) staff members.

Following a meeting with the Director, Ms. Leslie proposed to do the following:

• Walkathon - to generate cash to be used to purchase books and stationery
• Host a Christmas Treat
• Have motivational speeches at least once per month
• Conduct rap sessions at least twice per month
• Conduct sessions in Career Guidance
• Establish a Computer Lab at the home
• Provide seedlings to ensure the continued development of the home’s agricultural programme

Ms. Rodriques’ project, the Maxfield Park Children’s Home, was launched on Sunday, September 9, 2001 at St. Andrew’s Scots Kirk United Church. The Home houses at least seventy (70) children. On September 16 Ms. Rodriques along with thirteen volunteers visited the home where they participated in a “getting to know you” exercise. The objective of her project is to:

• act as a care-giver
• assist with their education
• assist with their physical grooming
• assist with developing their imagination

She has established a “Culture Club” which she will use to help the children to learn the National Anthem, National Pledge and to learn about our National Heroes.

Sponsorship of the programme will be sought from business by way of written and oral correspondence.

It is proposed that:

• Volunteers visit the home on alternate Sundays for a period of two (2) hours each Sunday
• The children be divided into groups called “families” to facilitate easy management
• Healthy competitions be hosted (educational & recreational) from time to time

It is hoped that at the end of the year the children would have developed higher self-esteem and feel better about themselves and their capabilities, which should be evident in their outward appearance and the tasks they choose to attempt.

On November 11, 2001 Esther visited the home with seven (7) volunteers where they conducted an interactive session with the children. Both volunteers and children shared their various talents in poems, songs and the latest dance moves. The session ended with the children excitedly relating their experience at the Little Theatre where they had gone to see a play prior to her visit.

NOVEMBER 25

During her regular visit on November 25th Esther had a 'Culture Club' session with the kids. The activities focused on parishes, their capitals and something they are renowned for.

NOVEMBER 28

The Queen was invited to perform her talent piece at the Optimist Club of St. Andrew.

DECEMBER 16

Ms. Rodriques attended the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Jonkunnu Mento Festival & Brunch held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, where she was the Master of Ceremonies for the first segment of the programme.

DECEMBER 19

She was invited to the annual tree lighting ceremony at the St. Williams Grant Park, where along with the Mayor, Her Worship Counsellor Marie Atkins, switched on the pepper lights for the entire park

DECEMBER 19

Esther along with ten (10) volunteers visited the Maxfield Park Children's Home for the Big Brother/Big Sister Programme. The day's activities included a treasure hunt, caroling, quiz and prize giving and "nyamings".