|
Current Status -
2005
Living Values Education is alive and active in Jamaica. The LVE Team is involved
not only in schools, but with many community activities and education leaders in
an effort to promote “One Love” on this beautiful island and positive school
climates and values in schools.
Upcoming in 2006!
Co-coordinators Sharon Parris-Chambers and Chirya Risely are excited about the
March 2006 visit of Neil Hawkes. One of the Directors of the Association of
Living Values Education International (ALIVE), Mr. Hawkes will be visiting from
the UK to conduct values and attitude workshops island-wide March 7 through 18.
Mr. Hawkes was part of the original group of 20 educators that met at UNICEF
Headquarters in New York to create LVE; he was also a Senior Education Advisor
for Moral and Spiritual Education in Oxfordshire, initiating and leading the
highly successful Oxfordshire School Improvement Program.
Sharon Chambers, Abijah, Neil Hawkes and Beverly Crooks
during the annual LVEP TTT near
Oxford at Global Retreat Centre
Mr. Hawkes’ recently published book, How to Inspire and Develop Positive Values
in Your Classroom, describes methods he used as Headmaster of a low esteem
school in the UK to change it into an internationally recognised model for
values education. Neil writes in his CV: “Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of
Schools visited the schools in order to find out about those aspects of our work
that have made us so successful.”
The workshops in March 2006 will focus on: 1. Why have values education? The
need. 2. Caring for the self. 3. The role of the educator as a model for values
education. 4. Identification of values. 5. How to implement a values-based
curriculum in your school and classroom. 6. Silent sitting and reflection. 7.
The role of assembly. 8. The vision for your school. 9. Research, Resources and
the Benefits of Living Values.
Mr Hawkes will also meet with educators in Jamaica that are implementing a
Competition for 51 Primary Schools. They are being evaluated on school climate
and appearance of the school, general attitude, deportment and hygiene of
students, parental involvement in the schools, and the quality of art, poetry
and poster entries.
2005 Trainings and Events
In January, LVE launched an "Envision Our School of Values" Flag Project,
liaising with the 'Envision Our World of Values' Flag Project in Washington DC.
The Director of Region 4, Mr Guthrie, is keen to see each school “flying the
colors or flags of values.” Values selected by students are reflected upon,
written, and drawn on paper. Selected entries are then drawn or stitched on
fabric with the value clearly written on both sides. The value flag is flown
throughout the day on the flagpole in the courtyard of each school.
A Candlelight Service and Peace Concert titled “Reclaiming and Nurturing a
Peaceful Society” was organised by Ministry of Education Region 4 Field Officer,
Ms Adams and Pathways to Peace Committee. Held on January 27 at St Johns
Methodist Church Hall in Montego Bay, its purpose was to focus attention on the
importance of eliminating violence from Jamaica. Children and teachers from all
schools in Region 4 attended to light candles in honour of special loved ones
who had been killed in their community through violence. Over 200 names were
read. All attending were given a value flag to carry.
Guest speaker, Superintendent of Police Dr Ivan Brown, reminded the audience of
over 500 local residents, “Thoughts create attitude, attitude creates
personality and character, and character creates our destiny.” He called for a
minute of silence to send divine light and love to those who had recently died
through acts of violence, including a one-month old baby.
Abijah and Mackie Conscious, popular reggae singers, gave wonderful musical
performances to conclude the show.
Song: Jamaica Land of Beauty
Together in our country, in
love and brotherhood,
we'll work and play in freedom,
as all God's children should. . . .
On the first Tuesday in March, LVE was once again involved in the annual Peace
Day Program.
The LVE Team joined Reggae artist and LVE enthusiaist, Abijah, along with
American authors Robert and Julia Roskind (The Gathering of the Healers and
Rasta Heart: A Journey Into One Love) as they toured Jamaica hosting “One Love
‘Big Up the Youths’ Concerts” throughout Jamaica. Robert Roskind and his family
have organised and sponsored over 50 Healing of the Nation Concerts islandwide,
mostly in schools as well as public concerts on Bob Marley's birthday.
After each concert the ongoing effort of increasing One Love on school campuses
is turned over to students, staff and faculty. They are invited to keep the
momentum going and make their school into an example of a society healing itself
with love and forgiveness. LVE leaders and educators participate in the
follow-up.
In April of 2005, a training for over 35 Region 4 Guidance Counselors,
Principals and students was conducted in Montego Bay to inspire and teach
educators to use the new Incentive to Change LVEP Evaluation Form, to conduct
the Envision our School of Values flag project and give a revision of LVEP
resources and methodology. A power point presentation was prepared and copies of
the presentation were sent to NY, UK and Mauritius for viewing at their
international trainings and programs.
The Ministry of Education has endorsed the LVEP Evaluation Form B for use in all
schools. Students who are having discipline problems are now being counseled in
the areas of their behavioral strengths and weaknesses using the form as a
guide. Each student is also given a value definition, poem or affirmation to
study and speak from memory to a Guidance Counselor at their next meeting. For
example, if the student is quick to get angry, he may be asked to learn by heart
this poem by Jean P Brown, an educator from Negril All Age School.
To Respond or React
When you are accused of whatever,
for whatever, whenever,
Choose to respond amicably And
humbly.
Never react to an accusation.
For though it may sound And hurt
terribly,
To react may not change the
situation.
Choose to respond and not react.
Response is to a soft answer,
which turns away wrath.
While reaction is to grievous
words,
They only stir up anger.
On May 19, at Sheffield All Age School, the second annual Mini Miss and Mr
Values and Attitudes Coronation Show was held. LVEP has been implemented at the
school for the past two years under the direction of the principal, Mr Sprague,
and the guidance counselor, Ms Wedderburn.
Proceeds from the show go toward the school's Guidance Department Outreach
Programmes. The Coronation Show is held to promote creativity and positive
personality characteristics. Students are judged in deportment, intelligence,
awareness and discipline. During the school year a number of values such as
honesty, obedience, courtesy, tolerance, humility, respect and patience were
taught on a weekly basis.
Also in May, a Positive Thinking Course for held for students from Sudbury All
Age School. Puppets were the teachers during the Girls' Day values lessons.
Mr Negative, Ms Worry, Br Necessary and Sister Positive . . . and . . .
Reflection photo
In September, at Anchovy Primary School there was a Values for National Heroes
Day. Guidance Counselor, Mrs V. Lindo, requested LVE to help her run a five-week
values program to tie in with Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness. She
selected four values, Peace, Respect, Honesty and Unity, and focused on one
value a week. The fifth week’s program included a Values Fashion Show and a
celebration of National Heroes Day.
The Hands Across Jamaica program was launched locally on June 15, 2005. This is
a schools-based youth initiative designed to “make plain” the value, vision and
principles of the Motto, Anthem and Pledge (M.A.P.) of Jamaica to our young
people, and to empower them to run with that message to their schools and
communities. “Turn your hand” at drama, dance, posters, brochures and other
exhibits was an integral part of the program, asking youth to show Jamaica what
they have learnt from the nation’s Motto, Anthem and Pledge. A national
competition will be held to select parish and national winners.
Better me, Better Jamaica
On September 21, the National Government, through the Ministries of Education
and Information, revitalized its National Values and Attitudes Program by
launching the Annual Values and Attitudes Competition for Primary Schools 2005
in Montego Bay. The broader society is targeted, with networking, monitoring and
training programmes being organized to assist with changing the mindset,
nurturing sense of self and reinforcing wholesome values and positive attitudes.
The core values for immediate focus are Respect, Honesty, Truthfulness,
Forgiveness, Tolerance, Peace, Love, Fairness.
Mr Burchell Whiteman, Minister of Information, Dr. Donald Rhodd, Minister of
Education, Youth and Culture, Ms Monica Holness, A.C.E.O. Guidance and
Counseling Actg., and Vincent Guthrie, Director of Ministry of Education, Region
4, were keynote speakers. All the Ministry representatives expressed hearty
appreciation of the work of the Living Values Education during their talks.
In November, LVE continued with its annual Parent Appreciation Programs.
November is designated as Parents Appreciation Month in Jamaica, promoting the
feeling of community cooperation and building confidence in schools as a safe
place where positive character building, cognitive skills and individual and
family values develop. The Prime Minister, Ministry of Education and Governor
General's office sent messages for the day. Teachers and students entertained
parents with songs, dance and dramas demonstrating ways to help make every child
feel valued and inspired greater care, compassion and understanding in parents.
Special speakers were invited to share personal empowerment principles and
stories and parenting "tips" were offered. Parents engaged in prayer and
reflection to visualise what values they wanted their children to have and what
sort of relationships they wanted with their children.
School bulletin boards were decked out with artwork based on the theme of family
values. One such contribution was the following poem by a student at Anchovy
Primary School:
Poem to Our Parents
If we were asked: “Who cares for
me, from now until eternity?”
No folk, or friend, or anyone, but
only my parents.
A gift of life they gave to me and
tend to it most lovingly.
A roof over our heads, warm
clothing on our bed
Speak of their love for me, in
time of sickness or in health.
They shower on me hard earned
wealth,
And close to me they'll always be,
providing comfort and security.
When I do a mistake make,
corrective action they do take,
To make me pure and good and true,
so I would be a good parent too.
My prayers will always be for
thee, brothers, sisters, mummy and daddy,
For life, for love, for security,
can be given by my parents.
On November 28, Barracks Road Primary began a three-month pilot called All
School participation Values and Attitudes Program with more than 1600 children.
Our first faculty training was November 11. The first four weeks will focus on
the value of respect. Acting Principal Ms Shippy and GC Pat Headley and faculty
are most enthusiastic and supportive. One of the main strengths of this
complementary Living Values program is its methodology of reflection:
Barracks Road Primary children reflecting on the Value of Peace
During this pilot project the entire school will have reflection times four
times a day. During these times music will play through the central loudspeaker
and a teacher will speak the reflection points on the selected value. For
example: The first respect is to respect myself – to know I am naturally
valuable. Respect is knowing others are valuable too.
We are also following the methods found in both the LVEP series of five books
and a recently published book, How to inspire and develop positive values in
your classroom, by Neil Hawkes.
2004 Trainings and Events
On May 27, Region 4 Principals and Guidance Counselors attended a full day LVEP
Educator Workshop held at Coco la Palm Resort Conference Room in Negril.
Educators from over 30 schools in the parishes of Hanover, Westmoreland and St
James met together under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education for a lively,
and informative day of how to create a values-based atmosphere in the classroom.
Organized by Sharon Chambers, Coordinator, this excellent program focused on the
values of honesty, love and caring.
The LVEP Overview and History, how to complete the LVEP Evaluation forms, and
ideas and suggestions for future value based schools projects, completed the
morning program. Sheffield All Age entertained by showing their video of their
first Living Values Coronation Fashion Show held in January 04, which was a
great success.
Katherine Mates, Director of Hanover Mediation Center, and her team, explained
and demonstrated a colorful and deep understanding of conflict resolution skills
for the Jamaican culture in an experiential, entertaining and lively afternoon
session.
On November 1, a three-hour LVEP Awareness Program for Hanover and Westmoreland
Principals and Guidance Counselors was held at the Riu Hotel in Negril. This was
organised by LVE coordinator Sharon Chambers with guest speaker, Mr Winston
Wellington, Founder of NEET. Areas covered included updates of the USA and UK
TTTs, LVEP Evaluation Forms, and details of GNN-Good News Network Media Program
for students. Each Educator attending received a gift of new book "How to
Inspire and Develop Positive Values in your Classroom" by Neil Hawkes. Riu
Resort offered services and refreshments without charge.
The All Island Annual Guidance Counselors Association Meeting held December 8-10
met at the Starfish Resort in Trelawny. LVE set up an exhibit and spoke with
over 150 guidance counselors. LVEP programs were scheduled for many schools
throughout the island for 2005.
In December, LVE continued its annual tradition of an LVE Santa's Elf visiting
local Montego Bay schools! This year, the Living Values holiday team visited
several schools to give values lessons, holiday cheer and sweeties! The Sudbury
All Age children enjoyed Rudolph's story and learning that it is OK to be
different. Even a red nose is beneficial!!
Number of Sites Using Living Values Education
Total number of sites
65
Impact
Success Stories
“One Love” Concerts and Bullies
At each concert, bullies were asked to come forward. At first
they were reluctant (people started pointing them out in the crowd) until they
were reminded that Bob Marley was once a bully – a gang leader called Tuff Gong.
Some of the other elder Rastas reasoned with Bob and transformed him into a
messenger of love – the role God had created for him – and everyone. The bullies
were asked to come forward and commit to being a "leader of love." With the
applause of the school, many agreed and received a prize.
Spanish Town High School Concert
Over 1200 students attended the Spanish Town High Concert
including students from six surrounding schools. The concert included a moving
address by the mayor, Dr. Raymond Notice. He said, “We want you, our future of
tomorrow, to be our comforters. We want you, our children, to teach love in our
community. Jamaica is depending on you. Spanish Town must rise and will rise.
One Love music will help us to rise."
“Basically, what we are doing is bringing one of Jamaica’s greatest assets – the
conscious reggae artists -- to one of its greatest problems -- crime and despair
of its youths,” Julia Roskind said. “We are only the catalysts for this.”
“This is not just a performance,” says Abijah, “but we reason with the youths as
well. We encourage them to exercise love and forgiveness in their lives.”
Forgiving the Thief Results in a Gift
In March of 2003, children who had eagerly awaited their
Peace Day celebration at Negril All Age School, West End, were disappointed when
the program was cancelled as a result of a robbery the night before at the
school. When invited guests, LVE Coordinators Sharon Parris-Chambers and Chirya
Risely, arrived to share Peace Day with the school they were not aware that Mrs.
Wedderburn had cancelled the performance due to a general feeling of low morale.
Chirya offered to talk to the children to uplift their spirits. They were asked
to recall what they had learned from a prior visit of the guests last year, when
they had shared Living Values concepts. Some children replied, “Soar like an
eagle!” “Why flap your wings like a chicken?” You can float high up in your
balloon!” She reminded the children of the National Values and Attitudes
program, and shared the values that are being focused on nationwide: respect,
peace, love, tolerance, forgiveness, honesty, truthfulness and fairness.
Chirya asked the students to repeat and reflect on “Let peace begin with me.”
There was a significant reduction in the sadness and tension amongst the
students. Spirits were raised when one of the teachers, Ms. Jean Brown, led the
children and guests in singing peace songs. Mrs. Wedderburn closed the short
program by asking the children to forgive the thief who robbed the school of its
belongings and in effect tried to rob them of Peace Day.
A subsequent article titled "NAA School Forgives Thief" generated community
support; a generous donor came forth to refurbish this tiny aging school into a
more value-able place of learning and light! Negril All Age now has several new,
golden buildings and a newly surfaced playground for the children.
|
