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  My time spent at the Institute of Jamaica Junior Centre was wonderful. I enjoyed being there and I looked forward to going there every evening after school “rain or shine”. I started at the Half Way Tree Junior Centre in summer 2005 when one of my mom’s friends told her about it. On the first day that I went to summer school, I joined the art class, which is my favourite until now. I got involved in all the activities such as drumming, dancing, sign language, music, needle craft, and storytelling, which were also offered in the after school programme. These were all fun and exciting, and I have pleasant memories. While in the after school programme, my fellow school mates and I went on trips to different places. We entered the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) drama, music, dancing and speech competitions. The Half Way Tree Junior Centre was my second school. There I learned to be more responsible, how to interact with my peers and how to have fun. In 2008 I got a summer school scholarship to attend the University of Technology’s Creative Arts Centre to participate in their “Tomorrow’s Children” programme. In 2009 in particular I worked very hard to top all the activities in which I was involved, because 2010 would have been m G-SAT year and I would not have been able to focus much attention as I would like to. I am happy to say that for 2009 I was awarded Child of the Year. I encourage all parents and guardians to send their children to the Junior Centre. It has helped me and I know that it will help me.    

Confidently aspiring I am Tashana Angelete Blair, a studious, talented, intelligent, adventurous, determined thirteen (13) year old who attends Campion College. I am an aspiring business woman who has great interest in photography, enjoys reading motivational novels, singing, browsing the internet and socializing. My philosophy states ‘never limit your challenges but always challenge your limits.’ Whether it was deciding which novel to check out from the library or trying to get the right pronunciation of a word in Speech and Drama or even just trying to get to reading classes on time, the Institute of Jamaica’s Junior Centre was always a challenge in some way or the other. The Junior Centre’s library played an important role in developing my love for reading. At the age of eight (8) years Ms. Kelly, the Centre’s librarian at the time, introduced me to my first Nancy Drew novel, ‘The clue in the old clock’. I did not know it at the time, but, that was the beginning of my ‘addiction’ to books. Since then, my ‘addiction’ has developed to include a wide range of fictions and non-fictions – pretty much anything with words. Speech and Drama classes were always something to look forward to. From the rigorous rehearsals for the J.C.D.C. Festival to the ‘chill sessions’ we had, there was never a dull moment in that class. The many presentations of: votes of thanks, welcomes and introductions I did on behalf of the Centre, really helped me to ‘come out of my shell’ and become more confident. I was the East Street Junior Centre’s Child of the Year second (2nd) runner up in 2006. As an awardee, I was given a scholarship to the University of Technology’s Environmental Foundation of Jamaica Tomorrow’s Children Summer Programme, where I was recognised for outstanding achievement in photography. In May of 2008 my former classmate, Zaire West, and I chaired the National Child Month Committee’s launch of child month program held at the Institute of Jamaica. In 2008, I was the valedictorian of my graduating class at Holy Family Primary School. In August of the same year I was awarded the prestigious Scotiabank Jamaica Foundation County Scholarship for the county of Surrey. All in all, the Institute of Jamaica’s Junior Centre played a key role in my development and will continue to influence my future. The experience and training garnered from my involvement at the Junior Centre has benefitted me tremendously.    

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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Alessandra Abel shares… I attended the Half-Way-Tree Junior Centre for approximately two years, and  would have to say that I enjoyed my time spent there. Read more>>   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. Read more>>   Jahaila Harley reminisces… My time spent at the Institute of Jamaica Junior Centre was wonderful. I enjoyed being there and I looked forward to going there every evening after school “rain or shine”. I started at the Half Way Tree Junior Centre in summer 2005 when one of my mom’s friends told her about it. Read more>>   Confidently aspiring Tashana Angelete Blair… I am an astudious, talented, intelligent, adventurous, determined thirteen (13) year old who attends Campion College. Read More>>

HOW DID THIS DREAM BECOME A REALITY? In 1939, the board of Governors opened its first Junior Centre for children. This was named, The East Street Junior Centre. The development of the Centre was maintained under the guidance of Robert Verity, who had similar experience studying at a Centre in England. The Junior Centre was officially opened in 1940, as the first and only lending library for children in Jamaica. Its services were also extended to rural parishes (St. Catherine, Manchester and St. James) via a railway system. The Library also offered services to the Half Way Tree and Franklyn Town Junior Centres respectively.