Fun ‘Flows’ at Children First Treat

Kingston, Jamaica: Claudette Pious’ dedication and passion to children’s needs is heart-warming. Her commitment to improving the lives of Jamaica’s youth is the driving force behind the outstanding work she is doing in her community. This is why Children First, the remedial education centre in Spanish Town that she leads, was selected by Flow for special recognition as part of the broadband service provider’s ‘Spirit of Christmas’ outreach efforts.

Sonia Palmer (right) of Children First points to the $100,000 written boldly on the cheque presented by Jeanette Lewis (second right), public relations manager, Flow at a treat on Thursday, March 8 at the school in Spanish Town. Children First is a non-governmental remedial centre dedicated to improving the lives of approximately 700 children in St. Catherine and environs.

Unfortunately, a planned treat for Children First at which the company’s donation would be presented, had to be postponed due to an upsurge of violence in the area in December.  

The team at Flow was determined to carry out their commitment to the children and staff of Children First no matter how long after the holiday season. They were able to fulfil their promise recently when volunteers across the company came out on Thursday, March 8 to present a donation of $100,000 and a brand new computer to Children First. The presentation was made as part of a treat for the students of Children First with a line-up of activities, which included a magic show and talent. Flow partnered with fast-food company Mother’s and Trade Winds Citrus Limited, makers of Freshhh juices to provide lunch for the children.

"It was really important to our team members to keep our promise to the students and staff of Children First,” said Jeanette Lewis, Flow’s public relations manager.  “Even though the treat had to be postponed from December, it never came off our radar.  We received numerous requests from team members expressing an interest to volunteer no matter when it was held. We are pleased that we did not have to wait too long to make good on our commitment.”



Trace Gayle (left) of Flow chats with students of Children First at a special treat on Thursday, March 8 at the school in Spanish Town.



“This has made their day,” said Deishanna Whyte, social worker and teacher at Children First. “Occasions such as this give the student hope and assurance that people do care. It also provides a good example of the possibilities of what they can achieve when they see and interact with the staff from Flow and the Magician.”

Last year, on behalf of its corporate partners, Flow donated more than $1 million to eight charities that cater to children and the homeless across the island. As part of the initiative, Flow's staff also delivered toys, food and spent time at the respective charities, to make the season a little brighter for many of the underserved in our communities.

Mrs. Richardson-Pious was elated with Flow’s support.  She feels that “It was a tremendous event, it gave the children a sense of caring. The school is in a volatile community and it was good to see people from corporate Jamaica coming to reach out to the children. What was important for me was the fact that the [Flow] team interacted and spent time with them [the children]. It gave the children a sense of promise and hope that people really care.”

The donations will greatly assist in gaining more support for the centre. “The donations came at a very good time , it will make a difference for the children especially doing reports, getting things out there and sending out more letters to other companies to see support” Mrs. Richardson-Pious added.

The success stories from this organization are quite compelling; several of the students have completed their associate degrees, and some are now attending local and international universities.  In addition to that, approximately 40 per cent of the staff at Children First are individuals who have gone through the programme and have returned to help persons like themselves.

Children First is the largest non-governmental organization working with this population in Jamaica. The non-profit organization is devoted to creating a brighter world for approximately 700 underprivileged children in St. Catherine and its environs.In 1998, Children First received the Press Association of Jamaica award for most excellent contribution to community development and to street children in particular.  The organization also received the charity award from the Medical Association of Jamaica and the Michael Manley award for its outstanding work with children and young people.



Jamaica College teams up with FLOW & EBSCO for e-Library

Kingston Jamaica; Students and teachers of Jamaica College will now be able to use the school’s Flow-powered e-Library to access hundreds of digital books, photographs, and recordings with the click of a button. 

(l-r) Jamaica College Vice Principal Rohan Wong, Christopher Williams, President Jamaica College Old Boys' Association along with Minister of Education, Honourable Ronald Thwaites and Flow’s Jeanette Lewis observe Taj Hayden (seated), student of Jamaica College during a brief demonstration of the school’s Flow-powered EBSCO e-Library.



Jamaica College is the first and only public secondary school in the country to have implemented the EBSCO e-Library platform.  The announcement came at the official launch of the e-Library, which was held on Friday, March 9, in the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, during which the school’s new digital offering was unveiled.  

Education Minister Ronald Thwaites, in in his address to the students, challenged them to ‘make full use’ of the new resource wisely.  He reminded them that the opportunity presented, was one ‘that was never available to this extent or even at all to those [who came] before.”

The Minister also spoke to the fact that the launch of the e-Library was in tandem with his vision of making technology an integral part of education, not only for Jamaica College but even at schools that do not have the same quality of facilities. He described the event as one of ‘tremendous importance’.

First form Jamaica College student Shawn-Paul Philpotts (seated) is seen here testing out the school’s Flow-powered EBSCO e-Library resource at the launch on Friday, March 9 in the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium. Observing are (l-r) Jamaica College Vice Principal Rohan Wong, JC Old Boys' Association's Christopher Williams and Stephen Dawkins with Flow’s Jeanette Lewis. The Flow-powered EBSCO e-Library will give students access hundreds of digital books, photographs, and recordings.

Principal of Jamaica College, Ruel Reid, described the launch of e-Library, as a collaborative effort. “I am extremely grateful that Flow has partnered with us for this revolutionary project. Jamaica College has been a pioneer in embracing advanced technology, and the e-Library initiative offers just that. It allows the students efficient access to extensive information in preparation for their SBAs and Examinations.”

Jeanette Lewis, Flow’s Public Relations Manager endorsed the bold move by the institution.  With this new facility, the same resources can be accessed by a number of users at the same time.  Lewis stated that “we simply cannot down play the extent to which technology impacts learning and teaching.  This modern approach to accessing educational material is definitely a step in the right direction for our youth, as it maximizes scarce resources.” 

She also promised to expand Flow’s current e-learning initiative partnership with the school, under its Building Leaders Through Technology Programme.  Under this programme,  Flow helps to infuse technology in the teaching and learning process through various activities, including donation of commercial grade internet and digital cable, mentorship programmes and introduction to specific skills building activities. 

A special feature of the EBSCO e-Library is its customizable, intuitive search experience which caters to user needs and preferences at every level of research. Users, for example, will be able to easily move from the catalog to the particular book then to a particular chapter and so on.  

Founded in the late 1700, Jamaica College boasts a very rich history, and currently caters to approximately 1,800 male students and has over 100 teaching and administrative staff.  The institution is widely known in Jamaica for both its academic and sports achievements, and has produced many influential members of Jamaican society including former Prime Ministers of Jamaica, Norman Washington Manley, Michael Manley and Bruce Golding.