In July last year theProgrammes Unit launched the CPFSA National Debate Intervention Project 2019 in association with Jamaica Association for Debating and Empowerment (JADE). This programme was designed to help children develop better conflict resolution skills; foster greater positive involvement of children in matters affecting their communities, and to cultivate a deep appreciation for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

In achieving this goal, the project was designed as a series of training sessions carried out over a 3-month period where children were exposed to different debating styles.

On December 17, 2019 the project culminated with an inter-regional debating competition at the University of Technology. This saw regional teams playing off against each other for the debating title. In the first semi-final match North East edged out Western while Southern beat South East to gain a spot at the grand finale. The final match-up saw Southern vs North Eastern with the former walking away with the trophy and title.

View photos here.

The first cohort of students from the Transition and Competency Programme has graduated. The group of 19, decked in burgundy gowns, walked proudly across the stage last December at St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College.

An initiative of the Transitional Living Project (TLP), the Workplace Transition and Competency programme is a one-year certificate course designed by the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) and St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College. It offers wards of the state, aged 18 years and older an opportunity to engage in competency-based training,equipping them with the requisite tools and certification in Commercial Art, Information Communication or Child Care.

View photos here.