Stars support Jamaica Schools foundation
Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of over a thousand people who headed to Crystal Palace to help raise funds for the annual Jamaica Basic Schools Foundation fun day at Crystal Palace Park, South London. The event originally scheduled for early August was rescheduled due to the civil unrest that engulfed the capital.
The explosion of talent included Salsa Shows, speeches and live performances. Throughout, the event stuck to its basic principles which included pledges from business to continue to support Jamaica’s schools in their developments. Pictured above, Lovers Rock royalty. Gia Re, GC Lodge and Janet Kay.
Jamaica Basic Schools Foundation (UK) (JBSF) has been established to aid children attending Basic Schools in Jamaica by advancing the education of those aged between 3 and 6 years. The Foundation aims to assist basic schools by providing facilities for the education, development and recreation of their students and the training and development of teachers.
Basic School Education is central to the early childhood education programme in Jamaica. There are over 1,500 basic schools in Jamaica that rely in large part upon voluntary effort and charitable contributions.
JBSF works closely with counterpart organisations in Jamaica that play a collaborative role in effecting its undertaking. The Jamaica Basic Schools Foundation was founded by Ms. Josephine Williams.
Jamaica’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency Anthony Johnson said: “We need to support and nurture talent wherever we find it and offer praise not only to those who achieve A grades but also to those children who’ve persevered and have passed their exams.”
“We should also celebrate the success of the Jamaican Athletic team who are likely to finish fourth in the World Athletics competition. We’re a small nation of 2 million or so competing against teams with over 200 million people to choose from. Jamaicans make up part of the American, British and European teams which make the achievements all the more special.”
“I would also like to extend my congratulations to Caribbean teams particularly the Grenadian 18-year-old Kirani James who became the youngest person to be crowned a World Champion.”
Franklyn Walters from Grace Kennedy said: “Grace Kennedy is proud to continue our ongoing support of the Jamaica Basic Schools Foundation in the vital work they do throughout Jamaica.”
Grace Foods also pledged to donate percentage of every Grace branded product towards the Basic School Foundation.
Franklyn Walters from Grace Kennedy said: “Grace Kennedy is proud to continue our ongoing support of the Jamaica Basic Schools Foundation in the vital work they do throughout Jamaica.”
Grace Foods also pledged to donate percentage of every Grace branded product towards the Basic School Foundation.
Headline acts included the Queen of Lovers Rock, JC Lodge who was supported by her equally gifted daughter, Gia RÉ, and Jackey Kay. Janet Kay made history in 1979, by becoming the first British born black female to have a reggae song at the top of the British charts. The song ‘Silly Games’, (produced by Dennis Bovell) was a hit not only in the UK but also in Europe. Janet’s history making has been recorded in the Music Guiness Book of Records.
There were some fantastic displays of talent on show including some Salsa dancers. The children reportedly came close to upstaging the adults with a fantastic display of Cuban Salsa.
The adults were also very accomplished in in the Casino style of Cuban Rueda. Salsa is currently becoming one of the most popular growing forms of dance across Jamaica.
Rising talent Ricky Rowe, Jamaican Playright proved popular with this crowd. Cross referencing the differences between UK and JA sub culture was one of the days highlights.
Local talent was on display in many forms. One of the popular stands was this art collection from Jemison. for more information please contact: k.jemison@btinternet.com
The Basic School Foundation aims to assist in the development of early childhood education in Jamaica by improving the quality of pre-school education and learning environments.
