NYC-Based JAMPACT Treats at Christmas

Eager young faces greeted us as we arrived to the sound of Christmas Carols echoing through the school. The group of 100+ 3-5 year olds were happy to see our three smiling faces because they knew we were there to celebrate the upcoming holiday with them. The afternoon would be filled with singing, balloon blowing, colouring, lots of eating and, of course, the giving of presents from JAMPACT Santa, Stefan Wright.

This scene was repeated three more times, with different numbers of children and volunteers as we held successive treats at inner city basic schools in mid-December.

This is the 6th year that these treats have been held at Crescent Road Basic, (off Waltham Park Rd) Mt. Olive Basic, (off Red Hills Rd) Coles Basic, (off Lyndhurst Rd) St. Stephen’s Basic (On Olympic Way) and (as of 2004) Maxfield Park Basic School and Maxfield Park’s School for Children with Special Needs. The annual Christmas events are sponsored by JAMPACT – an NYC-based ngo comprised of a diverse group of young Jamaican professionals, students and friends of Jamaica, and organized by CHICHIBUD LTD., a Jamaican-based ngo. JAMPACT’s philosophy is to use our collective energies, intelligence and resources, as an impetus for progress in Jamaica.(www.jampact.org) They have done this through grant progammes, conferences, a speaker series and their support of these 5 basic schools which they have adopted. Chichibud is dedicated to promoting emotional growth through facilitating play, creative expression, reading, cultural awareness, and where necessary bereavement counseling, among basic and primary school-aged children. (www.chichibud.org)

Each year these schools, the students, teachers and staff are treated and the classrooms receive extra presents to add to their play areas – magnetic alphabet and number sets, legos, etc. The schools also receive school supplies such as books, paper, crayons, balls, jump ropes, and math, science and language arts teaching aids. Over the years a few of the schools have also received infrastructure upgrades subject to the availability of funds. Thanks to successful fundraising drive in 2004-5, all are scheduled for some form of physical improvement in 2006.

"Every year we look forward to this Christmas Treat and the bonus presents which add so much to our classrooms. The children are happy to see the visitors and the community turns out in large numbers," said Mrs. Bennett, Principal of Crescent Rd. Basic.

Although not all JAMPACT members can take part since it is a NYC based organization, JAMPACT President Kamar Samuels states that many members look forward to helping out at the treats. "I envy those JAMPACTERS who can make it home and celebrate with the kids." Despite the rising number of children each year, plans are in place to enable project sustainability, as in 2005 JAMPACT implemented a successful Christmas card initiative with drawings by the kids.

Chihibud Director, Rebecca Tortello, enjoys celebrating with the children and finds that the organizing gets easier each year: "Chichibud is pleased to continue our association with JAMPACT as we work towards making these schools model basic schools in their communities."

Other local sponsors include George Azan and Co. and the Cake Shoppe who give us the presents and cakes at a discount, Burger King, which provides some of the food, and the Gleaner Co. which donates large reams to paper to each school. In addition, this year JAMPACT and Chichibud partnered with a new, Atlanta-based organization, UNITED FOR JAMAICA, who sent ice cream and enthusiastic volunteers to play with the kids.