Dear Editor,

“We rise by lifting others.” — Robert Ingersoll

Thirteen-year-old Ackeef Nugent of Coburn Gardens, St Andrew, embodies this quote by Ingersoll.

His effort as a youth advisor, whose initiative of establishing a programme to steer children from a life of crime and violence in which he assists his peers to “read, write, and express themselves” did not go unnoticed as TVJ aired his call to serve on yesterday’s nightly news, and it deservedly resonated with Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

TVJ aired the follow-up on Friday’s Midday News, showing Nugent meeting with the prime minister, and for the first time he seemed at a loss for words. He was so exultant with meeting Prime Minister Holness that his main responses were reduced to mere “yeses”. Prime Minister Holness pledged his support to both his teaching and sports programmes. He lauded Ackeef’s leadership and told him he is a special young man. I beamed like a proud parent when I heard this.

What struck me was Ackeef’s passion to serve. His commitment in “saving from my lunch money” to purchase “sharpeners, pencils, and books” because many parents are not, what should I say now, financially stable” reflected that of an old soul.

Ackeef’s outreach highlights the plight of many communities in which there is dire need for mentorship so that children can be wrestled from a life of crime and violence. There is a need for programmes which uplift and programmes which come at no cost to families, children simply turn up with the expectation of inculcating certain values and attitudes. Coupled with this is the need for outlets for play and recreational activities, thereby balancing work and play as “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

In Ackeef’s words, “This is my word to all the criminals and the warring factions of this Corporate Area, not only in my community but … all around Jamaica: Please to put down the gun and allow our young youth to grow in peace so we can make Jamaica be the place to live, work, raise families, and do business. We are the next generation … Please put down the gun, I am pleading to you guys.”

We should thank Ackeef for his drive and be proud he has an understanding of Vision 2030. Way to go Ackeef!

Sekard

jadrakes60@gmail.com