This is from Euton, our Program Manager: My name is Euton Rodney. I was born and raised in the small farming community of Penlyne Castle in Hagley Gap, St. Thomas. Penlyne Castle is nestled in close proximity to the Blue Mountain Peak; the highest point in Jamaica. Farming is the main source of income, whether it is bananas, plantains, ground provisions, coffee …etc. but Blue Mountain coffee is the most dominant product. I began working with the Blue Mountain Project five years ago, when I started at the rank of volunteer. The aim of the project is to uplift the community, in ways such as increasing literacy among the community population and aid in adequate health care services and the provision of clean water. On the matter of literacy, since farming has always been the main source of income for families; emphasis wasnt placed much on education. The ability to count and being able to work the fields was all that was required; due to this you’ll find that illiteracy level is very high. The Blue Mountain Project aims to improve this and has done quite a lot of work in this area. We have targeted the schools and have been involved in grooming the children, our future leaders, that the way out is through education. We have a homework center in place furnished with computers and many reading books to aid the learning process of our children. Health care is vital to any community and the Blue Mountain Project has made this reality for the community of Hagley Gap and its surrounding district. Access to the medical supplies and service, has helped the community to be more aware and to take better care of their selves. I’m proud to be a part of the Blue Mountain Project, where we are making a difference in the lives of the community no matter how small. As Project Manager, I will ensure that we uphold the mantra of the Project; which is to Empower and to Educate. -Program Manager- Euton Rodney Nicole Atkins Thank YOU, Euton, from everyone at Blue Mountain Project!
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 16:00:00 +0000