On February 27, 2025, the Social Development Commission (SDC) will host its inaugural “SDC Clubs in School Day” at the Bucknor Community Center, uniting over 350 students, teachers, and community stakeholders in a vibrant showcase of youth engagement. The event, themed “Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Unity,” aims to strengthen ties between schools and communities while empowering young people through sports, cultural expression, and financial literacy.
Thirteen SDC school clubs from ten Clarendon communities will participate in the day-long festivities, which include football and netball tournaments, cultural performances, and a quiz competition focused on current affairs and environmental stewardship. A highlight will be the interactive sessions between students and key agencies such as HEART/NSTA, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), and the Clarendon Health Department. Financial institutions, including VMBS and NCB, will also lead workshops on saving and financial literacy, with students eligible to open savings accounts on-site.
Acting Deputy Executive Director of the SDC, Samuel Herron, emphasized the event’s significance in fostering civic pride. “Our clubs are more than extracurricular activities, they’re incubators for responsible citizenship,” he said. “By connecting students with agencies and businesses, we’re not just building skills; we’re building a network of support that bridges schools and communities.”
Herron also underscored the focus on volunteerism and governance. “When young people understand their role in community development, they become advocates for positive change. This day is about showing them their voices matter.”
The day’s activities seamlessly merge recreation and education, fostering camaraderie and critical thinking. “This is where fun meets purpose,” said SDC Clarendon Parish Manager Baldvin Mckenzie. “We’re not just hosting games or performances we’re shaping minds. When students engage in teamwork through sports or celebrate their heritage through dance, they’re learning to balance pride with collaboration.” Sporting events, including spirited football and netball matches, will see primary and secondary school students face off in friendly rivalry, emphasizing teamwork and healthy competition. Cultural performances will bring rhythm and colour to the event, with dance troupes and choirs showcasing both traditional Jamaican heritage and contemporary creativity through vibrant routines and songs.
Education takes centre stage through interactive quizzes testing students’ knowledge of local governance, environmental stewardship, and community development, while financial literacy workshops led by banking experts will equip youth with practical skills in budgeting and saving. Beyond the classroom, agency booths will invite students to explore career pathways, health resources, and volunteer opportunities, bridging the gap between young minds and community leaders. McKenzie added, “These booths aren’t just tables they’re doorways. Every conversation about careers, health, or volunteering plants a seed for Clarendon’s future.”
Over 20 organizations are partnering for the event, including First Heritage Cooperative Credit Union, which will assist students in activating savings accounts. “Financial literacy is empowerment,” said SDC’ Clarendon Parish Manager, Baldvin McKenzie. “Starting early ensures lifelong responsibility.”
With an expected turnout of 350, the SDC anticipates the day will become an annual fixture. “This is just the beginning for Clarendon and a continuation of the SDC clubs in school across the expansion across Jamaica ,” Heron added. “Our vision is a Clarendon where every student feels equipped to lead and uplift their community.”
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