EDITORIAL: A Word to the Nation: Get Involved in Your Children's Lives

Kingston, Jamaica- May 13, 2023: As the CEO of the Digicel Foundation, I firmly believe that children are the future of our nation. This year’s theme for Child’s Month, ‘Children need our love and protection…Get involved,’ resonates deeply with us at the Foundation. We have always been committed to supporting initiatives that promote the well-being of children in Jamaica, and this year, we are more determined than ever to inspire others to do the same.

Our Children Need Us

As the first point of contact for children, adults play a crucial role in creating a safe and nurturing environment for our young ones. We must provide the necessary support for our children's mental, emotional, and social well-being. At Digicel Foundation we have remained focused on our most vulnerable children, partnering with the Ministry of Education and Youth and the Early Childhood Commission to strengthen the infrastructure needed for enhanced learning for our younger students, especially in rural areas; and through support for children with special needs.

According to Latoya Minott-Hall, the Public Education and Special Projects Manager for the Office of the Children's Advocate (OCA), over 2,300 children and teens have accessed SafeSpot, a 24-hour helpline for children supported by the Digicel Foundation. Mrs. Minott-Hall was speaking to a group of students at the Denham Town High School during Safer Internet Day School Tour with Digicel and Digicel Foundation in February.

This data highlights the need for us to be more active and present in the lives of our children, particularly during these challenging times.

Children's Voices Matter

Children have the right to be heard.

As I recently discussed at the 2023 Middle Managers' Conference, there is a difference between active listening and passive listening. We must actively listen to our children, to truly hear what they say. When we listen to our children, we understand them better.

At the Digicel Foundation, we have always recognized the importance of children's voices being heard. We have supported numerous initiatives that empower children and provide them with opportunities to express themselves, including facilitating workshops for parents, caregivers and children with disabilities

Get Involved!

We can get involved in our children's lives in many ways, such as attending PTA meetings, assisting them with their homework, or reading to them. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to get involved is by reading with our children. Reading not only helps build a bond between us and our children, but it also makes reading a habit that will benefit them in the future. On Read Across Jamaica Day, the Digicel team went out to schools and connected with the students through some of their favourite books!

Creating a safe environment for our children is essential. Children are valuable in building a better Jamaica, a place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business. We have a high duty of care to love and protect them. When our children feel protected and safe, they feel that we truly love them. Creating a safe environment for our children is essential. Children are valuable in building a better Jamaica, a place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business. We have a high duty of care to love and protect them. When our children feel protected and safe, they feel that we truly love them.

Charmaine Daniels

Charmaine Daniels is the CEO of Digicel Jamaica Foundation.