Reintroducing Myself to Jamaica — Davinia James-Stewart

Despite I’ve migrated to the US over 15 years ago, I would regular visit the land of birth. However, the moment I found my purpose I vowed to never return unless I would be able to positively create an impact in some way or form.

As I look back on how I sent 450 girls to school in Haiti, Cambodia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Peru, Cambodia, India, Sierre Leone and Nigeria, it’s crazy to think that Jamaica is now becoming a part of my list. I can honestly say that I thought because I was born and raised in Jamaica that mere fact would allow me to effectively implement what I’d envision for the youths of my beautiful island.

Unanswered phone calls and emails became frustrating and I didn’t know what to make of it all. All I wanted reaching out to Jamaican officials and dignitaries was directions to help me understand how to effectively put into operation my Pennies4Girls (P4G) project. Looking at the name Pennies4Girls seem like a project only exclusive to girls, however P4G looks at the possibility for all in need.

Pennies4Girls is rooted in 4 possibilities of girls getting quality education.

1. She’ll be able to become her greatest self, living life on her terms. In addition, when she decides to have children she will see the benefit and liberation of sending not just her son or her daughter to school but both.

2. She’ll inspire those around her through her own actions in becoming greater. She has the ability to create a domino effect.

3. She’ll help her community, village or city to thrive whether it’s through providing goods, services or even job opportunities.

4. She’ll help to boost her country’s economy and has the opportunity to positively change the world her own way.

The impact I aim to create is beyond the hype for a few weeks or months. I want to create the kind of change that will be sustainable after years to come.

To think it took 6 years to get the opportunity to sit and speak with some of Jamaican most influential about my Pennies4Girls project and dreams for Jamaica, I have no better words to describe it rather than: now is the right time. Six years might seem as a very long time but I strongly believe nothing happens before it’s supposed to.

A few months ago, a phenomenal soul by the name of Sharon Burke reached out to me and shared how she admired my work. Through our conversations she listened to what I wanted to create for Jamaica and offered help. I didn’t know how to completely receive this, reason being, not everyone follow through with what they say they would do. Meeting Sharon would show me first hand of how she’s a woman of her word.

My first initial meeting with Sharon felt like we’ve known each other for a long time. She created a platform for me to share my life story with her and her team and how it connected with my Pennies4Girls project, along with my plans for the youths of Jamaica. In no time, Sharon and her team hit the ground running, scheduling meetings with those she felt aligned with my passion.

I knew who Damian Crawford. I had seen his YouTube videos teaching Math and I often wished he was around when I took my CXC subjects. Over the years I came across his videos as he journeyed through making a positive impact on Jamaica and its people and I watched in great admiration. I resonated with him through his passion and vision not just on education but his actions reflecting prosperity for Jamaicans on a whole struck a nerve.

Meeting Senator Damian Crawford, I had no expectations, however when I realized his videos truly portrayed him in his truest form, it was a breath of fresh air. A two hour conversation also made me realize of how much of a powerhouse he is. His visions stem beyond the realms of just tomorrow. His vision is about sustainable change for the people of Jamaicaconcentrating those in impoverish areas that need it the most. He sees the urgency to act but in a way that allows those in need to create a form of long term earnings that will be beneficial to them and others. It was disheartening when he shared with methat poverty has increased in Jamaica. How can 521,000 Jamaicans be living on less than $250 JMD a day (equivalent to $2.03 USD)? What happens if a health crisis is to be factored in?That’s not hard to figure out what happens.

Change doesn’t happen overnight and it sure isn’t easy as 123 but if I know anything about effect change is that it requires the effort of everyone; we the people (citizens of the world and a country), activists, NGOs, government, world leaders,lawmakers, private sectors etc. On the other hand, I can’t sit and wait for others to act. The little that I can do is a start.

Yes, I strongly believe that one way to end poverty is through girls’ education because what we end up creating is for the whole human race to benefit from. Furthermore, to make this project successful it will require adding men not only being a part of the conversation but allowing them to also be a part of the solution. The work to be done will require all of us coming together.

My dreams in changing the world is a dream in motion and when it comes to the land of my birth, it will require more of me. The Jamaica I grew up in isn’t the Jamaica I’m dealing with today, hence, that’s why it’s imperative for me to work with other like minded souls as my own because the kind of change I want is something that will be sustainable in the evolving years.

Jamaica is a very beautiful island with beautiful people and I want to see it in a constant flourishing state but that can’t happen if the notion “the rich will always be richer and the poor will always be poorer” tells the tale of the country’s dynamics. I believe no matter whom you are and where you are from, your social form, status, titles and the list goes on, one should have access to tools, resources, guidance, etc., to help them evolve. I believe that when one makes it out they should explore ways to offer a helping hand to bring others forward.

We all make up the country of Jamaica and what do you think happens when half of us are being held back? It’s evident that’sa breeding ground for violence, poverty and a never ending cycle of being stifled. We need to help others get off their own necks not because they don’t want to but because many don’t even know they are on their own necks and that’s why they can’t breathe.

Special thanks to Sharon Burke & her team, Sheldon Shepherd, Shaggy, Nicole Campbell and others who took the time out to meet and speak with me. It was greatly appreciated.