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The next Van Goh? Javaughn Williams, 11 years old, is a testament to the Centre’s motto of ‘unlocking potential…transforming lives’. He started attending the Greater Portmore Junior Centre approximately two years ago, and according to his grandparents, has shown an improvement in his school work, in his behaviour and in his socializing ability. Javaughn is a special education student, who is also said to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Prior to coming to the Centre, he was more reserved than he is now, and has settled down a bit. He has made new friends, and is fully involved in his Art, Craft, Sign Language, Reading, and Papermaking classes. His grandfather, Mr. Williams, notes that he is “more interested in his books and wants to learn”. His grandmother, Mrs. Joylyn Williams, is amazed at what he has retained as he teaches her some of what he has learnt in Sign Language class. His consistent attendance to the Reading class has enhanced his capability. Before coming to the Centre, Javaughn had always loved and practiced art. He has now fine-tuned this skill. In 2009, he was awarded a medal for being the Child of the Year in the Art activity. When asked what he would like to be when he is older, without missing a beat he replied, “an artist and a fireman”. With loving support from his family and friends and conscientious effort on his part, Javaughn can be just that.  

My Experience at the Junior Centre I attended the Half-Way-Tree Junior Centre for approximately two years, and  would have to say that I enjoyed my time spent there   I was Child of the Year for 2008.  The programmes they have for the children include: dancing, music, sign language, art, needle crafts, reading and a heritage class.  My favourite was art.  The teachers were absolutely great.  They tried to make the class seem fun even when you think you are not going to like it. My experience there was a mix of many emotions.  I, personally, am a shy person, so it was hard for me at first to make any friends.  Sometimes I did not even feel like going, but I went anyway and had a great time at that.  One thing that going to the Junior Centre has taught me was friendship.  The friends I met there were dear to me.  Everyday was a new learning experience.  You learn how to make things, how to create things and even how to co-operate with other persons of different ages.  I cannot say that every child’s experience here will be the same, but I can say that it is a great opportunity to find yourself. When I came here, I was only sure that I would like one thing, and that was art.  Well, as it turns out, I liked everything and even discovered things about myself I never knew.  When you get involved at the Junior Centre, it can open up new doors for you.  You get to perform, enter competitions and feel proud of yourself and what you have accomplished.  All this, I have learnt and more by just coming to the Junior Centre.  I would seriously encourage other parents to send their children to this Institution, so that they can have their own memory and experience.   Alessandra Abel  

My Experience at the Junior Centre I attended the Half-Way-Tree Junior Centre for approximately two years, and  would have to say that I enjoyed my time spent there   I was Child of the Year for 2008.  The programmes they have for the children include: dancing, music, sign language, art, needle crafts, reading and a heritage class.  My favourite was art.  The teachers were absolutely great.  They tried to make the class seem fun even when you think you are not going to like it. My experience there was a mix of many emotions.  I, personally, am a shy person, so it was hard for me at first to make any friends.  Sometimes I did not even feel like going, but I went anyway and had a great time at that.  One thing that going to the Junior Centre has taught me was friendship.  The friends I met there were dear to me.  Everyday was a new learning experience.  You learn how to make things, how to create things and even how to co-operate with other persons of different ages.  I cannot say that every child’s experience here will be the same, but I can say that it is a great opportunity to find yourself. When I came here, I was only sure that I would like one thing, and that was art.  Well, as it turns out, I liked everything and even discovered things about myself I never knew.  When you get involved at the Junior Centre, it can open up new doors for you.  You get to perform, enter competitions and feel proud of yourself and what you have accomplished.  All this, I have learnt and more by just coming to the Junior Centre.  I would seriously encourage other parents to send their children to this Institution, so that they can have their own memory and experience.   Alessandra Abel  

Entry in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) visual and performing arts festival competitions has been one of the major benefits for students who attend the Junior Centres. Exposure to external competitions allows students the advantage of participating in an experience that builds courage and self esteem;developing confidence and increasing creative awareness in themselves and others. The Junior Centres have been entrants of the JCDC Festival Competitions as early as the 1970’s. Even today, our Tutors and students anxiously prepare for the upcoming June 2012 entries. In the years 2009 and 2010, the results are listed as follows: 2009 Dance: 2 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze and 2 National Trophies Speech: 1 Silver, 2 Bronze, 2 Certificates of Merit Music: 3 Silver, 4 Bronze Art: 1 Silver, 4 Bronze, 1 Certificate of Merit, 1 Certificate of Participation 2010 Speech: 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 bronze Dance: 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Certificate of Merit Drumming: 3 Gold, 1 Silver Music: 1 Silver, 1 Bronze  

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