Q1. What is the Junior Centre?
A. The Junior Centre is a division of the Institute of Jamaica designed to implement and facilitate learning of the visual and performing arts in children ages 6-18 years.
Q2. What art classes are offered?
A. The visual and performing arts classes include: dancing, drumming, paper making, art and craft, sign language, speech and drama, music and needle craft.
Q3. Does the Junior Centre offer any other Programmes apart from the arts?
A. Yes, it does. The Centre currently offers classes for children in reading, computer, guidance and counselling. There is also an adult Programme on Saturdays in English Language and Computer skills.
At the East Street Junior Centre, persons are invited to share with the children on Jamaica’s heritage (Heritage Funtime).
At the Greater Portmore Junior Centre, persons from various disciplines and professions are invited to make interactive presentations to the children. The session is called S.P.Y Factor (Stimulating Potential in Youth). This is held on Wednesday afternoons (3:00 – 5:00 p.m). Also , on the last Wednesday of every month (3:00 – 5:00 p.m) Kitchen Fixin’ (a cooking practical) is held during which children are taught to make traditional foods.
Q4. What time does the Junior Centres’ Programmes begin?
A. At both Centres, the Afterschool Programme runs from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. The Saturday Programme takes place between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Q5. Where is the Junior Centre located?
A. There are two Junior Centres: One is located at Greater Portmore (beside Greater Portmore Post Office) and the other at 19 East Street, Kingston.
Q6. Do the Programmes continue throughout the Summer holidays?
A. No the Programmes do not continue throughout the Summer, the term ends in the first week of June. During the Summer, for the month of July, there is an annual Summer Workshop. Registration for the workshop normally begins in June.
Q7. Does the Junior Centre offer any Programmes for children over 18 years or children advanced in the arts?
A. Yes, there is a newly introduced Advanced Training Opportunities Programme (ATOP) at the East Street in the areas dancing and drumming, for students 18 years and above who are skilled in the areas of Dance and Drumming.
Q8. How does one register for the ATOP Programme?
A. To register for the Programme, you collect a registration form from our Office at 19 East Street, complete the form and return with 1 passport size photo. Registration cost $500.00 and the fee per class is $200.oo
Q9. What time do the ATOP classes begin?
A. The ATOP classes are held every Thursday from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Q10. Is there a cost to attend the Programmes?
A. Yes there is a cost. There is a one time registration charge and there is a regular weekly and Saturday fee for classes.
Q11. Is the Library a part of the Junior Centre?
A. Yes, the Library is an integral part of the Junior Centre. It is located on the same premises as the East Street Junior Centre and provides services to children ages 6-18 years.
Q12. What are the opening hours of the Library?
A. The Library is open Mondays – Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Q13. Is it free to join the Library?
A. Yes it is free. To sign up for membership just come to the Library and ask for a membership form. Answer a few simple questions such as (Name, Address, School and Telephone number) after which, you are able to borrow two (2) books for a period of two (2) weeks. Upon returning the borrowed books you are able to borrow two (2) more and the cycle begins.
Q14. Can anyone join the Library?
A. No, persons eligible for membership should to be between the ages of 6 – 18 years of age.