Westmoreland Festival Queen aiming to empower youth
Published:Tuesday | December 10, 2024 | 12:06 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Sherona Small, the Westmoreland Festival Queen, has taken on an ambitious project to help teenagers who struggle with teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and poverty.
Having personally observed the struggles that school-age children face in their daily lives, Small decided to launch her parish project, Sherona’s Foundation, to draw attention to some of their issues. The foundation’s motto – ‘Speak Up, Get Help: Your Voice Matters’ – highlights its mission.
“Based on observations and interactions with students, the foundation plans to give back to the schools and offer help to the students struggling with these social issues,” said Small.
She is hoping that the intervention will benefit students at Grange Hill High, Little London High, and Petersfield High School, among others.
“This initiative aims to provide a platform for young people to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas for tackling poverty and the injustices of teenage pregnancy in their communities,” noted Small. “This project is about more than just talking; it’s about creating a safe space for young people to share their stories and find the help they need.”
COUNSELLING SESSIONS
According to Small, who works as an assistant dean of discipline at Grange Hill High, the students will be engaged in workshops and counselling sessions with the collaborative support of the HEART/NSTA Trust, the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, the Child Protection Family Services Agency, and the National Council on Drug Abuse.
“As a young person, who has personally experienced and witnessed the impact of social issues on individuals and our communities, I feel compelled to reach out to other youth facing similar challenges. I want them to understand that they are not alone and that help is available,” said Small, who thinks being crowned Westmoreland Festival Queen has given her the ideal platform to speak up.
She also plans to use her reign to shine a light on pressing issues facing Grange Hill – her home community.
Describing her project as call to action and not just a temporary campaign, Small is hoping it will urge everyone to listen, support, and advocate for the betterment of the youth in Westmoreland.
“It is my hope that through my foundation, Westmoreland will stand united in the fight against poverty and injustice and pave the way for a more equitable and just society,” she said.