NEXXSTEPP Lifelong Educational Services has announced the 11th annual Little Genius show, slated for April 19 in Kingston. This milestone marks over a decade of commitment to fostering brilliance and empowering young minds for success.

Led by Tishauna Mullings, recipient of the 2015 county of Surrey award in the I Believe initiative of the governor general, the Little Genius show is one of the programmes offered by NexxStepp.

“The Little Genius show, a cornerstone of our developmental initiatives, has played a pivotal role in unearthing and nurturing high self-esteem, public speaking skills, critical thinking, and talent usage among young Jamaicans,” the organisers said in a statement. “This transformative event continues to add significant value to the educational landscape in Jamaica and beyond.

The Little Genius show serves as a prelude to Child Month activities in May, creating an early opportunity to engage, inspire, and empower young Jamaicans aged 8-11.

In collaboration with Jamaican Association for Debating and Empowerment (JADE) Limited, NexxStepp ensures participants experience personalised, one-on-one training sessions aimed at enhancing vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills.

”These skills not only contribute to academic success but also empower students to navigate the challenges of the 21st century,” the statement continued.

The 2024 Little Genius show will feature a face-to-face format. Entry is open to any child between the ages of 8-11, residing in Jamaica, and who has an interest in public speaking.

Meanwhile, the NexxStepp – Little Genius 2023 winner Malachi Wilkins will launch the Eco-Warriors Club at Windward Road Primary School on April 10. The Windward Road Primary student has named the project “Eco-Warriors Club”, and will run the club with an executive body and “Recycle Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs”.

The initiative is aimed at promoting environmental consciousness, encouraging recycling, and fostering sustainable habits among students.

NexxStepp is partnering with Malachi to execute his vision to demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and a determination to make a meaningful impact within school and the broader community. NexxStepp is providing support and funding to Malachi, the president, to lead the club, preside over meetings, and coordinate with school authorities to plan and execute events that engage the school community in environmental awareness endeavours.

The club will conduct recycling rallies, creative upcycling workshops, green seminars, community clean-up drives, zero-waste challenges, floral endeavours, eco-art and design exhibitions, and collaborations with local businesses and other school clubs.

Malachi brings a wealth of enthusiasm, leadership skills, and a deep commitment to environmental sustainability to his role as the president. He aims to educate club members about environmental concerns and actively engage them in initiatives that drive positive change within the school and the local community.