ONE of Jamaica’s leading bankers, Dr Ransford Davidson, has argued that committed and supportive alumni associations can play a major role in helping to improve schools.

Davidson, business relationship and sales manager at JN Bank, said by using their networks and skills to create opportunities for current students, alumni associations can deeply affect the development of their alma maters.

“By leveraging your collective skills and influence, you can make a lasting impact on the school. The more you collaborate, the more you can drive innovation and build a brighter future for the next generation of students.

“You are uniquely positioned to make a difference because of the breadth of experience you possess,” said Davidson.

He was addressing approximately 130 members of the Aabuthnott Gallimore High School Alumni Association during their fund-raising gala held at Holiday Haven Resort in Runaway Bay, St Ann, recently.

Drawing inspiration from the collaborative efforts of the Endeavour Community Tank Rehabilitation Project in St Ann a few years ago, Davidson, who oversees the operations of JN Bank’s Brown’s Town and St Ann’s Bay branches, recounted how a shared vision and united action among community stakeholders resulted in a significant impact. The project involved providing water supply to the farming district of Endeavour.

“What made this project remarkable was the collaborative efforts that brought everything to fruition. The JN Foundation, local business owners, leaders from Brown’s Town, justices of the peace, and community members came together with a shared vision. Each brought something unique to the table, including financial resources, technical expertise, labour, and dedication.

“This pooling of resources and mutual support enabled the rehabilitation and renovation of the community tank, restoring access to clean water for many residents. It was a powerful reminder that no challenge is insurmountable when people work together towards a common goal,” added Davidson.

He stressed that similar collective efforts could enable the alumni association to achieve extraordinary outcomes, ensuring long-term benefits for both the school and students.

Davidson further highlighted that through mentorship, resource mobilisation, and the sharing of expertise, alumni can create opportunities for current students and bolster the school’s programmes.

“Mentorship through collaboration can open doors for students. By leveraging your professional networks, you can help students secure internship opportunities or even full-time positions. Through collaborative efforts, you can ensure that students gain access to real-world experiences that will make them more competitive,” said Davidson.

“This mentorship, delivered through collaborative efforts, will create a ripple effect. Students gain knowledge, which in turn helps them give back to the school and even their community as future leaders,” Davidson added.

The banker emphasised that one of the most significant attributes of strong alumni associations lies in their expansive network, which connects them to organisations and individuals capable of offering various forms of support, such as job placements for graduates, sponsorship of student programmes, and school plant improvement.

“Collaboration enables you to tap into these networks and obtain external resources, thus providing the students with opportunities they would not have had access to otherwise,” he said.

“The wealth of knowledge within the alumni network can be used to fill gaps in the current curriculum. These sessions can help students develop practical skills that will serve them in the workforce and in life. Persons who work in specialised fields can collaborate with the school’s faculty to review and enhance the curriculum. The impact of this is that students benefit directly as they gain exposure to real-world skills, and the school itself thrives through the integration of current knowledge and industry best practices,” said Davidson.

One of the key highlights of the gala was the recognition of three past teachers — Sonia Nevins-Ricketts, Headley Cross, and Lenworth Sterling — for their outstanding contribution to the school, while Sylvester Christie and Quasheba Cummings were recognised as Alumni of the Year and runner up Alumni of the Year, respectively.

Completing the list of award recipients were Eloise Panton, Rohan Callum, and Andrew Morris, members of the community, for their support to the school and alumni association.

During the gala, the alumni association handed over a public address system to the school, which was procured from the proceeds of its 2023 fund-raising gala. Later this year, the association will be establishing a gazebo and serenity garden at the school from the proceeds of its recent gala.