KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The British Minister of State for the Caribbean, Commonwealth and the United Nations, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, yesterday toured the Kingston High School, where he observed the Men With a Message initiative of the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP III) engage students with behavioural and attitudinal issues.

The visit was an opportunity for the minister to observe the operation and effectiveness of the CSJP, which is partially funded by the United Kingdom government, through its Department for International Development (DFID).

“We have been supporting this programme for a number of years and I don’t want to just read a briefing about it or hear from the Director who is involved in it. That’s what brought me to the school to see how [the programme] is delivered and the impact it makes…and that allows us to plan more effectively in terms of how we look at funding [and] how we look at support,” Ahmad said. He hailed the programme, noting that it “underlines the hope one can bring in changing people’s lives.” He further praised the Men With a Message initiative, for bringing together a team of inspirational men who impact the life choices of youngsters.

Addressing a group of students following a presentation by a Men With a Message volunteer, he urged them to focus on education and the opportunities it can provide.

“You must work hard, use the opportunity, it’s an incredible fortune. The more education you get, no one and nothing can take that from you. And it’s programmes like [the CSJP] which allow you to become leaders of your own country,” he said.

The minister sat with the team from Men With a Message for a conversation on what has led them to be a part of the programme, as well with a group of students who spoke with him about their ambitions and school life.

“I have seen some inspirational children, in terms of their ambition and the motivation they get…notwithstanding the challenges they have, there is great hope and aspiration,” he said following the tour.

“I think ultimately when we talk about education, yes, it’s about learning Maths, English and others, but it’s also about people and how you learn from each other and influence others. It’s been an influential visit and it leaves me thinking that the future of Jamaica, in what is a very challenging area, is one which is very bright,” Ahmad added.