The Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation is looking forward to building its kitchen and dining facilities, thanks to a generous donation from the Jamaica Volunteers Association (JVA).

The presentation of a cheque valued at US$14,000, coupled with a previous presentation of US$36,000, means a grand total of US$50,000 (J$4.5 million) has now been donated by the JVA to the centre's Kingston facility.

Professor Donald G. Morgan, president of the JVA, in handing over the cheque recently, reminded Jamaicans that they have a civic responsibility.

Our responsibility

"Jamaicans at home and abroad need to do much more to structure and strengthen the social institutions in Jamaica," Morgan said. "Without the strength of these institutions, the very fabric of our society will disintegrate unless we do something to strengthen the social institution of this country. You may not have money but you have skill. It is important to volunteer."

Morgan said his involvement with the centre began back in 2006.

"After seeing an article in The Gleaner about the women's centre, I contacted them," he said. "I met the director, Beryl Weir, to discuss the needs."

The facility's students were very excited at the prospects of having the new kitchen and dining facilities.

"It improves your self-esteem to know you have a proper place you can dine," said Racquel Maitland, a student at the centre.

"I am happy. Although I'm leaving, I'm glad the students coming will be able to enjoy this facility. Cooking is important, especially for young mothers, It is less expensive than buying cooked food," said Tameika Hird, another student at the centre.

Counsellor at the centre, Sasha Tucker, also believes that it is important to the mental health of the young women to have a proper facility.

Stressing the need for the new facility, Weir said she would be happy when the new facility is built.

"The present dining facility holds at best 50 students and usually there are 100 students in attendance. The alternatives are not many."

Weir is is also hopeful that the young women will soon be able to practise the etiquette lessons they have been taught in class.

"I am looking forward to seeing them sitting and dining, using their knives and forks and practising proper table manners."

Ready for CSEC

The new facilities will also enhance the centre's home economics offering as students prepare for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations.

The Women's Centre of Jamaica is a national programme that addresses the problems of interrupted education and the accompanying social problems that occur when an adolescent girl drops out of school because of pregnancy.

JVA has its headquarters in Washington, DC and has been assisting in health care, education, and community outreach projects in Jamaica for the past 25 years.