KINGSTON, Jamaica – Students from across the island have been urged to prepare to take their rightful place as future leaders of the society.

The call came from Global Brand Manager at GraceKennedy Limited, Anthony Lawrence yesterday as he addressed the annual youth forum held at the St. Andrew Parish Church Hall in St Andrew.

He said that in preparing to assume their various roles, young people must take responsibility for their actions now. “Don’t delay it for tomorrow, you can make a change now,” Lawrence said.

He further encouraged the students to do well in school by studying their lessons, paying attention to their teachers and counsellors and conducting themselves in an orderly manner.

“Be the best you can be, always plan ahead and take responsibility for your own actions. Even as young people, you have the power to start making a difference,” he added.

More than 200 high school students from Kingston and St Andrew and St Thomas participated in the forum organised by the National Child Month Committee.

Child Rights associate at the Caribbean Child Development Centre, Heather Gallimore, during her presentation, highlighted the various child rights and responsibilities.

Some of these include the right to an education, privacy, legal assistance, guidance and counselling, vocational training, and the right to express an opinion.

This year’s forum was held under the theme: ‘Children’s Care and Protection: A Fi Wi Mission’, and included presentations from four high schools.