KINGSTON, Jamaica – Regenerating entire communities and building the human capital necessary for advancement in Jamaica requires long-term investment of time, effort as well as financial and technical resources, says Earl Jarrett, Chairman of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Foundation.
Against that background, “even in the midst of a global economic downturn, corporate philanthropy remains a necessary responsibility,” he asserts.
“Some organisations have taken the tough decision to reduce their social outreach programmes in order to brace themselves for a worsening environment in 2010,” the Chairman said, “However, it is in these times that at-risk groups in the wider society need even greater assistance.”
Multinational organisations, such as the building society, he says, have the potential to utilise their social capital-extensive partnerships and networks, to multiply the benefit offered to those in need. And, through strengthening and widening partnerships over the past year, the JNBS Foundation experienced increased capacity to undertake a wider cross-section of projects in tandem with private and public sector organisations.
One such collaboration was solidified in May 2009 with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). “The Jamaica Partnership for Education (JPE) programme was launched with the sole objective of channelling offshore donations to improve public schools in Jamaica,” he said.
The backbone of the JPE is the charity of individuals who donate cash and offer goods and services, but the programme is also engaging the private sector, community leaders, business owners, and parents to advocate for school‐based policy change at the national level.
The improvement of the education system, Jarrett argues, “…is critical to any meaningful development at the national level; and, therefore, cannot be ignored by key stakeholders who rely on competent human resources to survive and succeed, no matter the times.”
Earl Jarrett, General Manager, Jamaica National Building Society maintains that improvement of the education system is critical to any meaningful development at the national level.
Mr. Jarrett maintains that while money will be tight in the year ahead, more than ever organisations must innovate to effectively use their limited resources to give back to society.
“With the JPE, we are drawing on the existing infrastructure of our remittance business, JN Money Services Limited, owners of the JN Money Transfer (JNMT) brand, to garner the support of a concerned and captive audience to join with us in support of a better school system,” the Chairman explained.
“Our JN members, customers and other vested persons in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and The Cayman Islands already have an obvious connection. Additionally, most persons are willing and encouraged to become philanthropists if asked. We are facilitating that process and allowing Jamaicans residing overseas to donate for a different Jamaica.”
JNBS Foundation’s General Manager, Saffrey Brown says that since May 2009, the JPE has raised more than J$1,200,000 through penny collection drives in the JN Money Transfer locations overseas as well as personal pledges. This is despite an overall decrease in the number and value of remittances into the country last year.
She emphasises that persons residing in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada or the Cayman Islands may access any of the 22 JNMT locations and agents to send contributions to the JPE fund.
“It is the cooperative spirit,” Miss Brown asserts, “that makes the greatest impact on programmes such as the JPE; because, in the long-term, the entire nation benefits. Even if you only have a little money to spare for a donation, no matter where in the world you are, Jamaicans know that ‘every mikkle mek a muckle’”.
The JNBS Foundation was established in 1990 as the charitable arm of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS). Its mandate is to manage and execute the philanthropic efforts of the Society, and contribute to the developmental needs of Jamaica.
The JNBS Foundation’s focal areas include education, health, housing, youth and community as well as crime and safety. More than 88 initiatives benefited from financial and technical assistance in 2009 ranging from costs of some $100,000 to $18 million.
