AT just five years old Kairo Levermore of Branches of the Vine Kindergarten and Nursery K-Kids Club emerged as a standout at the recent joint K-Kids and Builders Club rally, capturing the top honour in the Climate Change Poster Competition.

Kairo won Division A (6–9 years old) with his entry titled Plant a Tree Jamaica: Small trees today, a greener Jamaica tomorrow. His piece impressed judges with both its creativity and its clear, hopeful message about environmental responsibility.

Small in stature, Kairo is already demonstrating strong leadership qualities as president of his school’s K-Kids Club. When his name was announced as the Division A winner Kairo was deep in conversation with his schoolmates who had accompanied him to the rally. The look of surprise on his face made it clear — this was a moment he had not expected.

Kairo’s achievement was one of many highlights at the rally which brought together more than 300 patrons, including more than 200 students and close to 70 adults, in a celebration of youth leadership, creativity and social awareness.

In Division B (10–12 years old), the top prize went to Kezia Scott of Our Lady of the Angels Preparatory School Builders Club, who was not present at the rally.

During the rally, students were engaged through a lively presentation by the Kiwanis PACE Programme, led by Distinguished President Velmore Lawrence and supported by the animated presence of the PACE mascot, Pacey, portrayed by Distinguished President Andrew Samuels.

The session reinforced positive values and encouraged personal development among the young participants.

Climate awareness was also brought to the forefront through an interactive presentation by Elizabeth Emanuel of the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), which helped students better understand climate change and its real world impact.

The rally also featured a talent showcase, with John Mills Primary School walking away as champions. Their compelling dub poetry piece, Missa Man, addressed predatory behaviour by men and underscored the importance of protecting young girls and women, allowing them to live free from abuse and sexual violence and realise their full potential.

The K-Kids and Builders Club rally — which was powered by CCRIF with additional sponsorship from Manpower & Maintenance Services Ltd, LASCO and Bellevue Hospital — not only highlighted the talent and awareness of Jamaica’s young people but also reinforced the importance of nurturing informed, confident, and socially conscious future leaders.