THE establishment of a homework centre was one of the many benefits that resulted from a parenting workshop organised by GraceKennedy Company in the inner city, in support of the government’s Values and Attitudes initiative.

The closing ceremony for the workshop series was held at the company’s downtown office on Friday.

The parenting programme, dubbed “One Small Move”, was an interactive values and attitudes workshop for over 20 parents of inner-city kids (PICK), who live in the volatile Parade Gardens area of Central Kingston, encompassing the Southside and Tel Aviv communities.

The main aim of the series was to provide a forum for the adults to meet and discuss the problems in the communities, especially crime and violence, and to establish a common vision for change.

The workshops, which were moderated by Owen “Blacka” Ellis and Winston “Bello” Bell, were held at the Learning Institute of Central Kingston (LICK), and involved the use of communication activities, music and rap sessions.

Lorna Blake, treasurer of the PICK programme, told the Observer that apart from the weekly workshops, the parents would meet twice monthly to have discussions.

In addition to the establishment of the homework centre, which will be open seven days a week, the recently completed series also generated a training manual, with accompanying video and workshop guide to be used by schools and other non-governmental groups across the island.

GraceKennedy boss Douglas Orane said an important aspect of the series is the potential for it to be used as a blueprint for other such programmes across Jamaica.

“We are inviting any other community in the country that is interested in having a similar programme to contact us at Grace to see how we can help to establish it,” he said.

“We hope that the programme will help to change the lives of children who are exposed to violence, but who can become wholesome, peace-loving adults,” he continued.

Orane was unable, however, to provide an estimated cost of the PICK programme, which was first initiated in Parade Gardens in 1983. He told the Observer that the cost is not important, but is undoubtedly worth every cent.

He lauded the efforts of the parents who attended the weekly workshops, and said he was pleased with the homework centre that was established.

Keynote speaker at the closing ceremony, Information Minister Burchell Whiteman, described the programme as a ‘gold mine’ for any other community wishing to try out the programme.

“I must congratulate the GraceKennedy company for its continued commitment to the success of the Values and Attitudes Project, and the work it has done over the past two years to see to its enhancement,” he said.

“I am confident that the message of this programme will spread to other communities and help to make a difference in the lives of the children of the next generation.” he added.