“MultiCare Youth Foundation, your genuine commitment and dedication to building awareness about Jamaica’s forest resources through targeted interventions with at-risk and underprivileged youth, has assisted the Forestry Department in achieving its mandate of preserving our forests for the present and future generations.”
Commending the MultiCare Youth Foundation for its unwavering dedication to raising awareness about Jamaica’s invaluable forest resources, the Forestry Department gave us a heartfelt citation on June 26, 2018. Among the esteemed recipients of the ‘Forest Heroes’ accolade, MYF stood out as one of two non-government organisations and nine individuals honoured for their exemplary contributions. The prestigious awards luncheon at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel marked a significant milestone in the Forestry Department’s year-long anniversary celebrations, themed ’80 Years of Growth, Safeguarding our Future.’
Accepting the award on behalf of our team, MYF Programme Manager Ann Astwood was humbled by the recognition. The citation praised MYF’s visionary decision in 1998 to collaborate with the Forestry Department, culminating in the inception of our annual summer camp program. This initiative aimed to provide urban youth with a transformative experience in the serene, pollution-free environment of the St. Andrew Hills. Throughout the week-long camp, children were immersed in activities designed to impart vital life skills and cultivate an appreciation for the forest.
A highlight of the camp was ‘Forestry Day,’ a dedicated session facilitated by the Forestry Department, wherein children engaged in interactive learning exercises encompassing topics such as planting, forest management, protection, and values. Over two decades, more than 1,800 children have benefited from this enriching experience, underscoring MYF’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship among Jamaica’s youth.
Furthermore, the citation lauded MYF’s ongoing collaborations with the Forestry Department, including hosting the National Tree Planting Day ceremony in 2013 and the diligent maintenance of trees planted by our foundation. Through these initiatives, MYF continues to leave a lasting impact on communities while advancing the shared goal of safeguarding Jamaica’s precious forests for generations.
