Our Today – Administrator
As part of its ongoing commitment to education and in celebration of Child Month, Sygnus Credit Investments, a fund under the Sygnus Group, supported the Kingston leg of Amplify Studios’ Reading N’ Reasoning initiative.
The Sygnus team demonstrated unwavering support for this noble cause, engaging with over 50 students at the Devon House Edward Seaga Suite to inspire a love for reading and foster critical thinking skills.
The initiative included students from the Holy Family Primary School, St. Martin De Porres Primary School, Jessie Ripoll Primary School, St. George’s Girls Primary School and Hope Valley Experimental School.
Members of the Sygnus team showed out in their numbers to interact and engage with the students. Damani Reid, manager of investment management at Sygnus, read Jamaica Tag-Along by Juanita Havil with the students.
Damani Reid, manager of investment management at Sygnus, inspiring young minds at the Reading N’ Reasoning event as he delves into ‘Jamaica Tag-Along’ by Juanita Havill.
The project saw active participation from Sygnus team members, including Peta-Gaye Simpson, senior real estate development manager; Anadeen Nembhard, head of people, culture, and talent management; and Renee Rickards, senior marketing manager. The Sygnus team worked alongside members of the Berger Paints Jamaica team including Dwaine Williams, general manager and Ramonm Lawrence, Trade Marketing Manager, members of the Sunshine Girls, and the Netball Jamaica President, Tricia Robinson. Their combined efforts have not only revitalized the Sunshine Chalet, but also underscores Sygnus’ dedication to fostering positive community initiatives and creating a more comfortable environment for the Sunshine Girls.
The Sunshine Chalet, affectionately known as the Netball House, was gifted to the team by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, in 2010. The five bedroom house, used all year round, sits on 1.5 acres of land, and is home to national squad players of varying ages, including those under 14, 16, 21, and the Sunshine Girls. While the home has undergone previous refurbishments, recent times have highlighted the need for further support to maintain its functionality and comfort. In recognition of this need, the Friends of Netball committee was formed with the dedication to refurbish the House. Led by Marva Bernard, members of the committee also include past presidents, Vilma McDonald, Sharon Donaldson and Molly Rhone.
Reflecting on his experience Reid shared, “My experience at the Reading N’ Reasoning initiative was incredibly enriching and eye-opening. It is my second time being part of this initiative, so it was amazing to witness firsthand the programme’s reach since my participation last year, and I was particularly inspired by the children’s eagerness and enthusiasm to learn and absorb what the programme had to offer. The kids also asked some very insightful questions and I am hopeful that our efforts sparked a deeper interest in reading and critical thinking. Initiatives of this nature are essential for nation-building, and through this, we are able to support our future leaders and young bright minds to foster a love for lifelong learning. We are thrilled to have the opportunity and privilege to carry out our mission at the early childhood level, where growth and development are at its most important stage.”
Launched in November 2022 and spearheaded by Joel Nomdarkham, chief impact creator at Amplify Studios, the Reading N’ Reasoning Initiative aims to lay a foundation for a brighter future for the community and the nation.
While the programme typically focuses on the education and development of boys, for Child Month, Nomdarkham took an inclusive approach ensuring both boys and girls were involved and would benefit from the different activities that we had lined up.
“For Child Month we wanted to spotlight both boys and girls. There was an overwhelming amount of positive feedback and feel-good sentiments from the students. Many of the students who participated shared how happy they were to meet new friends, how they enjoyed the day, and how they learnt something interesting about the stories that were told,” expressed Nomdarkham.
Continuing Nomdarkham thanked Sygnus for their partnership.
“Sygnus came on board as my partner for the second year and it was truly a timely and successful partnership. I think education itself is one of the tenets for Sygnus. And what I love about Sygnus is that the entire team came out and supported. It added a lot of partner value to the room and the children were excited about that as well. For our Kingston session, Sygnus’ support enabled us to have some more treats for the students including lemonade and cookies. The financial support from Sygnus also ensured the students were able to do the mansion tour and be treated to ice cream which made the experience even more exciting and meaningful.”
The Reading N’ Reasoning initiative, which has reached a total of 250 students and donated 1200 books through its partners for Child Month, continues to foster a culture of literacy and critical thinking among young students, equipping them with the tools they need for academic success and personal growth.
Stephen Wright, assistant vice-president of private equity and mergers and acquisitions at Sygnus, lends a helping hand to Otia Blagrove from Holy Family Experimental School, demonstrating the use of the reading light.
Ryan Landey, assistant vice-president of investment management at Sygnus, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Partnering with Amplify Studios for a second year for its Reading N’ Reasoning initiative underscores our commitment to education and community development. These initiatives are crucial for nurturing young minds and equipping them with the tools for future success. At Sygnus, we believe in investing in the next generation, and we are proud to support programmes that foster literacy and critical thinking skills.”
