The Jamaica Constabulary Forces (JCF) Identity, Purpose, Attitude and Destiny (IPAD) for Life Youth Empowerment and Mentorship Summer Camp has been having a life-changing impact on participants since it commenced in 2015.
Fourteen-year-old student, Sean, says consequent on his participation, he has developed a bond and new-found respect for lawmen.
The police officers at the camp are now my friends, and we talk and reason about things that affect me, he tells JIS News.
Sean says the two-week summer camp was a great learning experience, particularly relating to the importance of reporting disputes to the police rather than resorting to violence to resolve issues.
Acting Police Commissioner, Novelette Grant, tells JIS News, that IPAD for Life was conceptualised in 2013 with a view to instilling good values and discipline in the nations youth in their formative years.
She says the initial camp was held in 2015 and will be hosted for the third time this year, with the continued partnership of the camp facilitators and counsellors from the JCFs Community Safety and Security Branch, Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) and Mobile Reserve as well as participating schools.
Miss Grant explains that the initiative is designed to help students become rounded citizens.
We want them to be able to identify good role models and gain respect for the law, the police and their peers, while ensuring that they were equipped with social and problem-solving skills that will assist them to build healthy relationships, she states.
Miss Grant says the camp targets children deemed vulnerable to negative influences and aims to help them to build resilience against these factors.
We recognise that these children are smart, and if we leave them without guidance, they can become potential problems for the police in the future, the Acting Commissioner notes.
She says the camp also helps the JCF to build positive relationships through mentorship with the teenagers.
These children are from several neighbouring communities that are sometimes at odds. So the camp not only helps the JCF mentor youths, it also aids in community rebuilding, the Acting Commissioner adds.
A key component, which Miss Grant says underpins the camp, is the role of responsibility entrusted to a number of the participants in ensuring that their peers adhere to the stipulated guidelines.
We set the rules, and that is all. The campers hold each other accountable and ensure that the rules are enforced; if not, they (report) the persons who disobey. Although we have the police overseeing the activities, the children make the process easy, she adds.
Miss Grant points out, however, that, as a first resort, when rules are broken the children endeavour to talk to the offenders and encourage them to do better.
She recounts one occasion where one participant, Chris, whom she says was deemed to have notable leadership qualities and commanded the respect of his peers, and who got into a fight, broke down in tears after they told him that his actions were below par and that they had lost confidence in him.
She says Chris experience served as a wake-up call for him and the police.
It tells us that sometimes when children do bad things, they are looking for love and reassurance. Chris is a clever boy, and the campers realised that and encouraged him to do better. They gave him a second chance and, most importantly, they gave him hope by allowing him to continue as their leader, despite his indiscretion, she tells JIS News.
Miss Grant says the summer camp is helping teenagers find renewed purpose and vigour as adolescents. She further indicates that the JCFs early intervention in the lives of children like Chris helps to prevent the onset of delinquent behaviour.
If Chris and other children do not have the proper guidance and support, they can easily become troubled teens (and challenges for) the police and the country, she contends.
The Acting Commissioner points out that following the intervention by his peers, Chris behaviour improved remarkably.
One day, Chris made a sacrifice by giving his belt to another camper for a dress inspection. He was willing to attend the inspection without a belt, knowing that he would be reprimanded. These are the selfless acts that we see at the camps this is what keeps us going, she shares.
Miss Grant says the two-week camp covers several areas that support the childrens journey into adolescence. She notes that they have hands-on activities and open discussions about conflict resolution, volunteerism, bullying, dating and interpersonal violence, among other things.
She says the camp is about selflessness, friendship and ensuring that the participants understand the importance of deportment, personal hygiene as well as motivation to confidently take their place as productive and valued members of society.
The Acting Commissioner further states that a reward programme is one of the methods the JCF uses to get high participation in the camp.
These include awards for displaying kindness, being the most disciplined participant, most improved male and female, most creative, best all-rounder, most outstanding leader, most helpful, and displaying the best technical skills.
Miss Grant emphasises that IPAD for Life is not merely a summer camp for young people.
The idea of this programme is to have residential camps, and after this we intend to have different phases that train the facilitators to ensure the continuity, she states.
Miss Grant says, since camps 2016 staging, JCF programme facilitators have been able to engage approximately 14,000 persons from different schools using the IPAD for Life concept.
She encourages parents, school administrators and professionals, particularly the business community, to support the initiative.
Meanwhile, IPAD camper, Richard, in recounting his experience, says, They (the police) taught us how boys and girls should treat each other and how to find our identity and purpose in life. I also learnt how to keep my community clean and not to join gangs and follow bad company.
Another participant, Malik, says the camp was inspiring, adding that his peers helped him to become a better person.
Intervening early in the lives of these children, not only saves future leaders from straying, but it also prevents the onset of adult criminal (tendencies) and reduces the likelihood of youth becoming serious and violent offenders, Miss Grant underscores.
Continue reading here:
IPAD for Life Empowering Youth - Government of Jamaica, Jamaica Information Service
- Empowering Women - Self Empowerment, Personal & Spiritual ... [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2016]
- Leadership Skills for Nurse Managers: Personal Empowerment [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2016]
- Empowering Women - Self Empowerment, Personal & Spiritual ... [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2016]
- Life Coaching for Personal and Professional Empowerment [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2016]
- Empowerment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2016]
- Counselling and Hypnotherapy in ... - Personal Empowerment [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Group . com - Empowering You [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Programs - Empowerment Institute [Last Updated On: March 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 28th, 2016]
- Series On Personal Empowerment at Psychology, Philosophy ... [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- The Secrets of Personal Empowerment [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Solutions.com | All about Personal ... [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Solutions.com | All about Personal ... [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- The Meaning of Empowerment - Powerful Information [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2016]
- Mental Health Counseling, Personal Empowerment | Kansas ... [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- Self Empowerment Appears Fundamental For Personal Development [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2016]
- Minds Of Power: What Is Personal Empowerment? [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2016]
- Authentic Empowerment - Personal and Professional Life ... [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Coach Certification - The S.W.A.T ... [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Bodies of Empowerment Personal Training [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2016]
- Charlotte Kasl [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- Empowerment and Strengths-Based Perspective: Social Work [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- Empowerment Theory - Springer [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- Top 100 Womens Empowerment Blogs | Psychology of Eating [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- radKIDS.org - The national leader in children's safety [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- Personal Empowerment Program : World Youth [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- 'This is a phase of empowerment' - The Hindu [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- 'Pink' actress joins campaign for women empowerment - The New Indian Express [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- GHCM's new MD on the importance of mentorship, youth empowerment - Bizcommunity.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- 8 Steps to Personal Empowerment - Entrepreneur [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Making Sure Our Longer Lives Are Healthy Ones - Next Avenue [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Teachers ruling a stark reminder - Coast Reporter - Coast Reporter [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- UMass Amherst Celebrates Black Heritage Month - UMass News and Media Relations [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Help yourself, Feb. 8 | Town Crier | trib.com - Casper Star-Tribune Online [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Discover meaning at the Festival of Faiths, April 19 24 - Insider Louisville [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Another Voice: Land trust will empower Fruit Belt residents - Buffalo News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Town Crier: Help Yourself - Casper Star-Tribune Online [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Boston's Office of Financial Empowerment Wants to Spread the Wealth - Next City [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- WE Are Women's Philanthropy - Jewish Exponent [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Genki Spark shines light on female empowerment through taiko - Daily Free Press (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Empowering the Data Subject Manila Bulletin Business - Manila Bulletin [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- The Problem With A 'Shoppable' Presidency - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- The Ripple - Olney Daily Mail [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Fire service receives funding to deliver 'personal development ... - Wiltshire Times [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Northwest Credit Union Foundation partners with BALANCE to provide personal finance training to MESA participants - CUinsight.com (press release) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Bells University, New Horizons sign MoU On ICT empowerment for students - NIGERIAN TRIBUNE (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Mastering Trump's mastermind: Sebastian Gorka and the struggle between Islam and the West - EUROPP - European Politics and Policy (blog) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Springs School News, February 16 - Springs - 27east - 27east.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- 5 Steps To Validate Your Business Idea Before Getting Started - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Milk Makeup Is Celebrating Its Anniversary With A New Campaign - NYLON [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- 2017 Chicago Women's Conference & Expo Coming to South Suburban College on March 17th - eNews Park Forest [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Melinda Gates Credits Contraception With Her Personal and Professional Success - Slate Magazine (blog) [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- REBELLIOUS COACHING - Personal Empowerment Coaching [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Personal Empowerment | SkillsYouNeed [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- 4 Low-Cost Benefits That Majorly Boost Employee Healthiness - Tech.Co [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Shamanic Healer Anahata Ananda Shares Benefits of Breathwork for Healing Trauma and Planting Roots of Strength ... - Benzinga [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Ajit Pai's digital empowerment agenda is good news for rural America - The Hill (blog) [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- The truth about Ivanka's Trumped-up, me-first feminism - Macleans.ca [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Transformation of South Africa needs high sense of consciousness for social justice for success - Thought Leader [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Pink Gloves Boxing: Women's class focuses on empowerment ... - The Missoulian [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Teaching Our Kids Real from Fake - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Shaking The Fear Of Breastfeeding In Public | The Huffington Post - Huffington Post UK [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- OUR VIEW: On Presidents Day, we celebrate the good ones - East Oregonian (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Impact 100 members tour remodeled STEP Training Center - TCPalm [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Bloomfield Company Uses Disney Princesses To Promote Female Empowerment - Patch.com [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conducts DSN Prog online - Daily Excelsior [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Viewpoints: The case for expanding Empowerment Scholarship Accounts - AZCentral.com [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Apple Music just released an album made on an iPhone ... - Computerworld [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Pushing past barriers: Program aims to foster empowering female relationships - Grand Forks Herald [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- MILCK comes to Portland this week to emPOWer - Oregon Music News [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Sippican to Implement 'radKIDS' Defense Program - Wanderer [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Personal trainer focuses on client empowerment - Clearfield Progress [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Black History Month: Recovering Our Personal Narrative - Muslim Link [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Judge Holds NYPD's Feet to Fire on Press Credentials - Courthouse ... - Courthouse News Service [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Realizing Economic Empowerment For All Americans - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Black Women Aren't Having Enough Orgasms And Their Careers Are To Blame Says Author - MadameNoire [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- This women's sport you've never heard of is taking Israel by storm - Jewish Telegraphic Agency [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Port Hope girls learn empowerment - Northumberland Today [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Federal Judge Says NYC's Regulation Of The Press Will Go On Trial - Village Voice [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Consult a psychic - for empowerment - Philly.com [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Digital Inclusion Summit: Training, Partnerships Are Key - Rivard Report [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]