Tag: faith

National Leadership Prayer Breakfast set for January 16 with theme ‘Righteousness Exalts a Nation’

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (right) and Reverend Stanley Clarke pray during a previous National Leadership Prayer Breakfast. (Photo: King’s House)

The 45th Annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Next year’s theme, ‘Righteousness Exalts A Nation’, underscores the moral foundation required for sustainable national growth and transformation.

“The theme reflects the essence of this gathering—a call for our nation’s leaders to embrace integrity and righteousness as guiding principles for governance and societal renewal,” said Rev Samuel McCook, Chairman of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast. “We urge all Jamaicans to consider how these values can elevate our communities and inspire meaningful progress.”

Since its inception in 1980, the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast has been a cornerstone of the Jamaicanevents calendar, drawing leaders from myriad sectors to reflect, pray, and strengthen national bonds. The 45th staging will continue to highlight the significance of moral leadership, service, and shared responsibility in shaping Jamaica’s future.

“The National Leadership Prayer Breakfast offers a vital opportunity for meaningful dialogue and renewed hope,” said Sheldon O’Connor, communications lead for the committee. “We’re committed to creating an event next year that will foster important conversations and drive real progress for Jamaica.”

The annual gathering embodies the shared hopes and ongoing progress of Jamaica. The public can anticipate more information in the coming weeks, with details about keynote speakers forthcoming.

Source: Our Today News

IGT extends assistive learning support to Mustard Seed Communities

The Gift of Giving: Rohan Williams (left), IGT senior technology manager, shares smiles with Ann-Marie Parker-Dale (centre), facility manager, Mustard Seed Communities Gift of Hope, and Camille Barnett, matron as he presents the Mustard Seed Communities Gift of Hope with their new iCan Talk communication device for residents with autism.

Children at the Mustard Seed Communities’ Gift of Hope in Mandeville were presented with 15 Start2Learn Handheld Communication devices by International Game Technology (IGT).

Gift of Hope offers a nurturing home to children with disabilities aged two to 34.

The Start2Learn iCan Talk device, recommended by Occupational Therapist Specialists from the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), plays a pivotal role in empowering children with communication challenges.

These devices provide a voice for those who need it most, facilitating greater engagement and participation in educational and social activities.

The donation marks the second contribution of assistive learning devices to Mustard Seed Communities as part of IGT’s After School Advantage (ASA) programme, following a previous donation in 2019 of the Tobii Dynavox Speech Case & iPad.

Debbie Green, general manager of IGT Jamaica, highlighted the significance of the company’s After School Advantage (ASA) programme in addressing the ‘Digital Divide’ faced by less fortunate children.

“In today’s increasingly digital society, access to technology is essential for educational and economic advancement,” said Green. “Through ASA, IGT helps bridge this gap by providing computer labs and assistive devices for thousands of youngsters in children’s homes and places of safety across Jamaica and the Caribbean.”

The impact of such technology is profound, as evidenced by the success stories from Mustard Seed Communities.

Administrator Ann Marie Parker reported that two students, previously unable to communicate orally, have successfully integrated into school life through the use of the assistive devices provided by IGT.