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Jamaican Youngster promotes the positive message of Respect as Youth Ambassador

Kingston, Jamaica –  Staying positive is a message that Neville Charlton has been spreading throughout his over ten years as a volunteer.

Filled with the spirit of activism from the tender age of 8, Charlton started volunteering while in church before moving unto a variety of clubs. At the age of 24, he is now a leader within his Portmore community as Assistant Youth Director of the Silverstone Citizen’s Association, head of his own non-profit organisation – Youth Group, and most recently a Respect Jamaica Youth Ambassador.

“Growing up I never really saw volunteerism happen around me,” says Charlton. “But when I was exposed to it, I saw the need to give back. Through volunteerism you meet persons from diverse background, you learn new skills and you can be the change for our society.”

A final year Communications major at the University of Technology (UTECH), Charlton has been carefully balancing school, work and considerable time spent giving back. “In 2012 I started Youth Group which mobilises young persons as volunteers. We might not have the money, but we have the time and the ability to assist through organisations such as Jamaica National, Respect Jamaica, UWI Mona Social Services and others,” he said.

Comprised of 30 permanent members, Youth Group has over 60 volunteers on its roster building connections in various communities. Through joining the Respect Jamaica programme as a volunteer in late 2014, Charlton firmly believes respect is essential for the growth of the nation.

“Since joining Respect Jamaica I’ve really seen how important respect is as a force for change,” he said. “Skills that foster respect are very important when interacting with diverse groups. We need to acknowledge that we are all different but through respecting each other we can uplift Jamaica.”

Charlton is one of the originators behind the Youth Ambassador programme, which will be shaping 150 ambassadors island-wide in forming a collaborative network that enables youth to actively participate in social action and advocacy.

Neville Charlton, one of Respect Jamaica's Youth ambassadors, spends quality time with some primary school students in the Jamaica corporate area.
Neville Charlton, one of Respect Jamaica’s Youth ambassadors, spends quality time with some primary school students in the Jamaica corporate area.

Known as ‘Mr. Positive’ among his friends, the youngster wants to use his role of a Respect Jamaica ambassador to promote positive mind-sets among youth. “My advice to youth is to never let anyone tell you to not be yourself. Don’t be afraid to be different, be unique. Never give up, be dedicated and stay positive,” he said.

“A lot of great leaders weren’t paid for the impact they made, just know that when you volunteer and advocate you are doing it for the betterment of this country,” he added.

 Neville Charlton, one of Respect Jamaica's Youth Ambassadors, engages in a fun learning activity with students from a Jamaica corporate area primary school.

Neville Charlton, one of Respect Jamaica’s Youth Ambassadors, engages in a fun learning activity with students from a Jamaica corporate area primary school.

Respect Jamaica is an anti-discrimination campaign that encourages the inclusion of all people regardless of race, religion, class, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, and/or special needs as deserving of respect.

Launched in 2014, the Respect Jamaica campaign has 30 corporates on board including Jamaica National, Digicel and Digicel Foundation, Island Grill, Wisynco, Caribbean Producers Jamaica, ATL Group, among others.

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South Florida Caribbean News

The SFLCN.com Team provides news and information for the Caribbean-American community in South Florida and beyond.

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