THE Kiwanis Club of West St Andrew (KCWSA) on Saturday spotlighted the birthdays of four children from the Nest Children’s Home located at 57 Mannings Hill Road, as part of the children volunteer club’s monthly birthday project.

The two boys and two girls celebrated the milestone on different days in August, including a boy who turned 17 and shared his birthday with one of Jamaica’s national heroes, Marcus Garvey, on August 17.

The collaborative effort with the Salvation Army-run Nest Children’s Home saw the children receiving a name-decorated birthday cake, ice cream, and meals. Joined by the other 21 children at the home, the celebrants enjoyed an occasion filled with laughter, educational content and good memories.

Heightening the celebration, the Kiwanians engaged the children in a vibrant discussion on topics such as Jamaica’s hurricane season, emancipation and independence celebrations, and the country’s sporting achievements. In the subsequent quiz session, participants beamed with delight as back-to-school prizes were earned for correctly answering questions based on the educational content the Kiwanians shared. There was even something for those children who did not offer responses.

KCWSA Distinguished President Leroy Johnson, the project’s coordinator, explained that research shows that celebrating an event solidifies positive memories which are connected to both higher self-esteem and life satisfaction. He emphasised the importance of the club’s ongoing monthly birthday recognitions as an excellent self-esteem booster for the children.

“The Kiwanis motto is ‘Serving the children of the world’ and so the last Saturday of each month is a time to shower all our birthday celebrants at the Nest with positivity. It’s absolutely healthy to make the children the focus of attention by celebrating with them. These children will undoubtedly feel important and cherished, especially since they are not living with their immediate families. We are strategic about our actions as the positive emotions generated will enhance how the kids see themselves.”

In addition, Robert Thomas, KCWSA president-designate, noted the Kiwanis family is a key part of the Nest children’s social group.

“We see ourselves as part of the children’s family, and the birthday celebrations are a great way to bond with them. The family is the child’s first and main social group so the Kiwanis Club of West St Andrew is keen on continuing to strengthen this relationship,” he said.

A donation of 50 LED light bulbs was also made to the children’s home. The club’s relationship with the children’s home extends over 10 years, with the children periodically benefiting from contributions of food, clothing and other items, along with one-on-one homework sessions.

— Marshalyn Rose