Bruce Bowen (right), president and chief executive officer of Scotiabank, reading a book to (from left) Jermaine Walters of Melrose Primary and Junior High, Dr Marion Bullock-DuCasse (second left), senior medical officer, Ministry of Health, Keli-Marie Soutar, Imani Hemmings, both of St Andrew Prepartory, Latoya Robinson of Melrose Primary and Junior High, and Tahir Thompson and Gabriela Morris of Corinaldi Primary, ahead of the launch of the National Primary Schools HIV and AIDS Debating Competition 2008/2009. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
With recent statistics from the Ministry of Health showing that AIDS was the second leading cause of death for youths between the ages of 15 and 24, Scotiabank yesterday launched its 'Speak Up! Speak Out!' Debating Competition to raise awareness among the young.
'Speak Up! Speak Out!' is a multi-faceted approach to promoting HIV and AIDS awareness, involving students, teachers, parents and the community. The activities include the debating competition in primary schools, community outreach programmes - including social marketing techniques, and parenting seminars and the literary and performing arts.
Opportunity
Speaking yesterday during the launch of the third renewal of the programme, Choc'late Allen, chief executive officer of Caribbean Vizion, said young people have a great deal to say about the issues that are affecting them, but usually do not get the opportunity to talk about them.
She noted that this programme gives them the opportunity to "speak up and speak out".
Fifteen-year-old Allen, who was guest speaker at the launch, held at Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston, charged the young people to take responsibility for their lives and refrain from engaging in risky sexual practices.
Meanwhile, Bruce Bowen, president and chief executive officer of Scotiabank, said the programme has helped guide students in gaining knowledge and sharing through research and interaction with their peers.
Hospices visited
He noted that, due to increased awareness, children have visited HIV hospices and are cared for persons with the disease.
In her remarks, Joylene Griffiths-Irving, director of public, corporate and government affairs at Scotiabank said 139 schools have registered for the debate, which will begin early next year. The grand final is to be held in May.
She noted that 450 schools have participated since the programme began three years ago.
Marion Bullock-DuCasse, senior medical officer in the Ministry of Health, lauded the bank for this initiative, noting that the ministry welcomed any programme that empowers the youth.
Michael Jones, senior vice-president of corporate human resources at Scotiabank said the debates have been helpful in debunking some of the myths surrounding HIV and AIDS.
He noted that, with the recent frightening statistics from the Ministry of Health as it relates to HIV and AIDS and the nation's youth, there is clearly a need for Jamaica to revisit the preventative strategies that it employs.