The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Samir Younis Foundation hosted its 37th Annual Charity Ball on Saturday, November 3, 2016, at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston under the theme ‘Empowering Greatness, Changing Lives’.

The charity ball has been the main fund-raising event providing a significant portion of resources to fund various initiatives within certain vulnerable groups. The foundation, initially the Civic Affairs Committee, has since 1979 aimed to foster better relationships between the police and citizens, and to improve the quality of life in the inner-city communities

At the event, two graduates of the 60th Cohort of the JCCSYF Inner-City Youth Leadership programme, 2015, had the opportunity to share how the programme has impacted their lives positively.

Constable Marlon Townsend, attached to the Denham Town, spoke on the valuable skills he acquired in the programme and the width of key areas he was trained in.

“There are many subject areas that I participated in, but four of them impacted me the most: Conflict Resolution, Human and Interpersonal Relationships, Small Business Enterprise and Effective Communication…These subjects have benefited me in a positive way and I see it in my daily life and interactions with youths from the inner-city,” he shared.

Thanks to the programme, he also went on to create his own initiative called “Sing for Change,” which is aimed at promoting peace and love in schools and communities in the Kingston Western constituency through popular music.

“I applaud and support the efforts of Mr Sameer Younis and the JCC Sameer Younis Foundation (JCCSYF) for the excellent work that they have been doing by way of the Inner-City youth Leadership Programme in positively transforming the lives of youths in the surrounding communities,” he continued.

Another graduate, Nicole Turner, in her eloquent and heartfelt speech, expressed her gratitude to having participated in the programme and credited it as the opportunity that helped determine trajectory of her professional career.

“I landed the job with confidence, professionalism and a great speaking voice, much of which I learnt through the JCC Sameer Younis Foundation … I applaud this great space, place and much needed foundation for inner-city youths who have a voice in society that only needs to be listened to,” she explained.

She is currently the chief communications officer at Key Insurance Company.

Younis also received special honours for his work and contribution to the organisation.