Week 1 - Publicity and Culture Shock

Reasoning went well on Wednesday and Mina happened to be there when the panel was discussing violence in schools. I doubt it was a coincidence that the day went down as one of the bloodier, more fatal days in contemporary Jamaican history. After highlighting the fact that the country was on the verge of another record year for murder rates, we invited Mina to speak a little about Project Nine Mile. It was a good prelude to the rest of the night’s discussion on finding solutions to the violent trends in Jamaica’s youth.

Now that Mina has a rental car, we should be heading to the parish of St. Ann tomorrow morning to get him acquainted with his soon-to-be new home for the next month or so. As far as Kingston goes, he has been to New Kingston (for Fashion Block), Hellshire beach (where he had the infamous fish and festival), Bembe (although he didn’t get a proper introduction due to rain), and various restaurants around town. The constant rainy weather was definitely a factor preventing us from showing him more places during the week. So far, he’s been doing well for a first-timer to Jamaica. I thought he would have have needed more time to adjust to the Jamaican atmosphere and temperament, but he seemed to have proven me wrong. I’m glad about that and have no doubt he will get along well with the citizens of Nine Mile.

As far as the project goes, in my capacity as Local Program Coordinator I hope to secure more funding soon. I’ve already had friends pledge portions of their paychecks to the cause, but we are yet to be blessed with a partner in corporate Jamaica. I remain positive and hopeful for the future of the Stepney All Age students.