By Director of Communications Mrs. Lisa Henry

Reading is a major skill that has the power to ignite minds, extend horizons, and change societies. In the mission of igniting the nation to read, we acknowledge the essential role that partnerships and alliances play. Building partnerships towards literacy is a journey towards a learned nation which needs intense partnerships between government bodies, community and non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and businesses. We can share knowledge, join resources, and carry out programmes which will make reading available to everyone as we establish alliances. These partnerships should include libraries, educational institutions, technology companies and publishers; as we all work together to create a comprehensive reading environment.

Thus, the Jamaica Professional Youth Workers Association (JPYWA) has partnered with the Jamaica Library Service, in particular The Kellits Branch Library in Northern Clarendon to produce the influential drive which nurtures a love for reading, boosts literacy, and enables

individuals to succeed in this fast-changing world.

The Jamaica Professional Youth Workers Association (JPYWA) has been supporting the enabling of an environment for the professionalization of youth development work in Jamaica and its regions since 2006. This includes training youth workers across the island, providing technical assistance to youth serving organizations and groups, advocating for youth development as a science, practice, approach, and process and engaging with and encouraging regional collective action. Thanks to our Partners the Jamaica Library Service and the Kellits New Testament Church of God without whom we could never have had a successful initiative.