A mission between the First Congregational Church and the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation • Copyright © 2008 CATALYST Mission Relationship
All Rights Reserved • E-Mail: info@catalystworks.org
All Rights Reserved • E-Mail: info@catalystworks.org
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CATALYST Works
Providing Unlimited Educational Opportunities
CATALYST makes the news in Jamaican media
. . . The programme helps students in several ways. They help the needy with school fees and train mentors. They also donated several books to the Homework Centre's library on Tower Street. But most of all what the programme seeks to do each year is prepare students for tertiary education and help them find scholarships . . .
. . . Ramone Williams, a fifth former at St. Georges College, is now a student in the programme. He is from Parade Gardens in Kingston where the homework programme operates. He is a straight 'A' student who wants to be a computer engineer. The help from Catalyst is making that dream seem possible . . .
. . . Ramone Williams, a fifth former at St. Georges College, is now a student in the programme. He is from Parade Gardens in Kingston where the homework programme operates. He is a straight 'A' student who wants to be a computer engineer. The help from Catalyst is making that dream seem possible . . .
The Gleaner
Gareth Manning
May 18, 2006
Gareth Manning
May 18, 2006
Sanjay is a new student to the Progam, who has his manifesto to success planed to the 'T'. He is supportive of teamwork, positive thinking and the satisfaction of knowing when one have put their best effort forward. . .
Congratulations!
First Place Winner
2007
"It's All About Me"
Essay Competition
Ronesha Rhoden
Sanjay Buchanan
CATALYST Expands - Coming Soon!
Photography Club Report
Ramone C. Williams
May 2006
Ramone C. Williams
May 2006
Photographer Dennis Gordon (left) explains the thinking behind the judges' choices to students viewing the exhibition of winning entries in the Catalyst photo competition.
Not even the limitations imposed by their disposable cameras could restrain the creativity and enthusiasm of the CATALYST students from the Grace & Staff Homework Centre as they showed off skills learned in a recent photography course. Over a two-month period the 15 teens, who hail mainly from the Central Kingston community of Parade Gardens, were encouraged to use various photographic techniques to record aspects of their daily life. The group received basic training from professional photographers O'Neil Wilson and Dennis Gordon before venturing out on into the community, and on field trips to identify their subjects.
The course culminated in an awards ceremony at the Centre with Shamel Shaw, a student of Alpha Convent of Mercy netting the award for Best Overall Photo for her landscape shot of the lily pond at Hope Gardens, St. Andrew. Christine Grandstan of Excelsior High School placed first in the categories Human Interest, Group Shots and Community Buildings; while Ramone C. Williams of St. George's College, received an award for the best portrait. Jamila Pennie of Excelsior High was the second prize winner in the categories 'Landscape' and 'Group Shot'.
Students in the programme are guided through several activities designed to improve their chances of college acceptance. This includes practice in essay writing in preparation for their college-application essay.
They are encouraged to take on innovative community projects, such as the Photography Club, and they are mentored by individuals identified among staff at GraceKennedy whose responsibility is to see that they follow through on the agreed activities.
There are approximately 24 secondary school students involved in CATALYST, and eight college students who are receiving varying levels of assistance from the programme.
This year Ms. Biggers visited the island from May 7 to 12, accompanied by a group of donors from the First Congregational Church, and college students who have benefited from the programme. The group has been working with the CATALYST students while learning about their social and economic challenges, and the work of the Grace & Staff Community Foundation in the communities.
"We are trying to build enthusiasm for what CATALYST does", she explained, "We want them to go back to the States and talk about the programme and get others to help".
The course culminated in an awards ceremony at the Centre with Shamel Shaw, a student of Alpha Convent of Mercy netting the award for Best Overall Photo for her landscape shot of the lily pond at Hope Gardens, St. Andrew. Christine Grandstan of Excelsior High School placed first in the categories Human Interest, Group Shots and Community Buildings; while Ramone C. Williams of St. George's College, received an award for the best portrait. Jamila Pennie of Excelsior High was the second prize winner in the categories 'Landscape' and 'Group Shot'.
Students in the programme are guided through several activities designed to improve their chances of college acceptance. This includes practice in essay writing in preparation for their college-application essay.
They are encouraged to take on innovative community projects, such as the Photography Club, and they are mentored by individuals identified among staff at GraceKennedy whose responsibility is to see that they follow through on the agreed activities.
There are approximately 24 secondary school students involved in CATALYST, and eight college students who are receiving varying levels of assistance from the programme.
This year Ms. Biggers visited the island from May 7 to 12, accompanied by a group of donors from the First Congregational Church, and college students who have benefited from the programme. The group has been working with the CATALYST students while learning about their social and economic challenges, and the work of the Grace & Staff Community Foundation in the communities.
"We are trying to build enthusiasm for what CATALYST does", she explained, "We want them to go back to the States and talk about the programme and get others to help".
This photo (Right) by Sharnel Shaw of Alpha Academy was judged 'Best Overall Photo' in a photo competition involving students of the Learning Institute of Central Kingston.
Denise Francis was struck by this mini art gallery while scouting for photography subjects at Hellshire Beach. For her efforts she earned Second Place in the category 'Building, Community'.