FOOD FOR THE POOR PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNER CITY YOUTH THROUGH SUMMER BAND CAMP

Kingston, Jamaica: Thursday, July 24, 2014

 

All together play. Members of the clarinet section at Food For The Poor’s 2014 Band Camp were proud to play a note to demonstrate what they have so far learnt during the charity’s summer programme, which is being held at its Ellerslie Pen offices in Spanish Town.  The camp started on Monday, July 21 and will culminate on Friday, August 8 with a concert where the 45 participants will get a chance to perform the skills they have garnered over the three-week period.

Youth from several inner city communities in Kingston, St Catherine and Clarendon are now participating in a Summer Band Camp organized by charity organization, Food For The Poor at its Ellerslie Pen, St Catherine headquarters. The camp which is in its sixth year, is aimed at developing and enhancing the musical skills of the children.

More than 100 youths have graduated from the programme since its inception. This year’s camp which began on Monday, July 21, comprises 45 members, ages ranging from six to seventeen years.  On completion of three weeks of training, some graduates participate in their churches, community marching bands and at Food For The Poor related events. The current camp will culminate on August 8 with a concert hosted by the graduates. 

Drummers in action. Jeffery Brown (left), Instructor and Food For The Poor staff member, teaches two of the participants in this year’s Summer Band Camp how to properly handle and play the snare drum during the programme at the charity’s office in Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town. The camp started on Monday, July 21 and will culminate on Friday, August 8 with a concert where the 45 participants will get a chance to perform the skills they garnered over the three-week period.

Chakar Thompson is a second time participant in the Camp. He shared what he said was his most significant moment at Camp. “One thing that stands out is the importance of team work because we have to play with other persons in the same section so we have to learn to work together.” He continued, “When we work as a team, we are able to create good music. We also get the chance to meet people from other backgrounds and that is always good. I really enjoy this programme and it is a very good one.”

Another participant, Raeme Briscoe said, “Music inspires me. It keeps me calm and helps to control my mood. So when I am going through anything, I play music and it takes my mind off those things. Learning to play a musical instrument helps just the same way. This is a very good project.

David Mair, Executive Director of Food For The Poor had words of encouragement for the participants. “At Food For The Poor, it’s never about giving a man a fish. Instead, it’s about teaching him how to fish. Our goal is to teach social interaction, personal development, leadership skills, discipline and responsibility, ” he said.  

Food For The Poor, the largest charity organization in Jamaica, partners with a number of stakeholders including churches, non-governmental and private sector organizations, children’s homes and service organizations throughout the island that deal directly with the poor to fill their most urgent needs and to encourage self-sufficiency. The work of the charity is funded by local and overseas donations.