On the 17^th of December students enrolled in the Real Madrid Football School for Social Integration (RMFSSI) and children of the Hanover under 15 Team (dubbed the Lucea Ballers), participated in a friendly football match on the grounds of the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa.

This was an opportunity for the children to be able to showcase their talent as well as the techniques that they had learnt throughout the year. It was also a great moment for them to display the values of sportsmanship and teamwork that are the principles upon which the programme is founded.

Two games were played. The under-11 game ended in a one-all draw. The RMFSSI under-13 children played against the Lucea Ballers’ under-15 and won 3-1.
Spectators included the Spanish Ambassador and President of The SJF, the Custos of Hanover, parents of the children, specially invited guests and staff members from the hotel. Many individuals expressed their pride at the progress made in the development of the RMFSSI children.

Dr. Rebecca Tortello, Hon. Andrew Holness, Mrs. Betty McKenzie

The Ministry of Education annually celebrates National Parent Month. The purpose is to raise awareness among Jamaican society of the crucial role played by parents in shaping their children´s personalities and providing them with values that will make them better citizens, committed to the development of the country.

The Spanish-Jamaican Foundation joined forces with the Ministry of Education for the fourth consecutive year, providing recognition to parents who, through their actions, have clearly demonstrated their full commitment to the education of their children in the broadest sense of the word.

Twelve parents, who have shown outstanding parenting skills, were selected from various regions by the MoE. These parents, along with their families, were awarded certificates for a complimentary weekend stay courtesy of four Spanish Hotels, members of the SJF: Gran Bahía Principe Clubs and Resorts, Iberostar Hotels and Resorts, Grand Palladium Resort and Spa and RIU Hotels and Resorts.

The Certificates were presented to these most deserving parents on Friday December 2 during The Parent Month Closing Ceremony held at the RIU Hotel and Resorts in Ocho Rios.

With the widening in scope of The SJF´s annual activities to include the refurbishment or upgrade of a selected school, The SJF focused its efforts on the Naz Children’s Centre located in Ironshore, St. James.

The Centre is a Mixed Ability School that caters for children with or without disabilities. It has been in operation since 2005 and began as a home-based afterschool programme which evolved into a more formal school system.

As a result of the Centre’s need for school furnishing and learning resources to enhance the educational performance of the students, The Spanish-Jamaican Foundation allocated approximately J$150,000 for the purchase and donation of these items. They were formally presented by the Spanish Ambassador to the Principal during a Handing-over Ceremony at the School on December 1. The event was attended by the Minister of State for Education, Hon. Gregory Mair, who during his remarks acknowledged The SJF´s contributions to the development of communities within Jamaica.

Jamaicans on the North Coast had the unique opportunity of experiencing an authentic Flamenco Show on October 3 at the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites Hotel, which provided sponsorship towards the event.

Flamenco was declared cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2010 and is the very essence of the Spanish soul.

Under the patronage of Celsa Nuño, Spanish Ambassador, President of The Spanish-Jamaican Foundation, the artistes were flown to Jamaica from Andalucía as part of the Embassy´s Cultural Cooperation Program to commemorate Colon´s arrival to America and Spain´s National Day.

The group was led by the famous guitarist El Macareno who has more than 30 years experience and has offered more than 500 concerts internationally.

The artistes had the opportunity to experience Jamaican hospitality and beautiful beaches courtesy of Iberostar, which hosted them during their stay in the second City.

The show was preceded by a cocktail, offering patrons both a cultural and a gastronomic experience.

All the proceeds for the session will go to support the refurbishment of the New Seville Exhibition Centre by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

An avid footballer, dedicated coach and Mathematics teacher, Jamaican national resident in the United States, Recardo Warren visited the Real Madrid Football School for Social Integration in Montego Bay to impart his knowledge and expertise to the kids and coaches alike. His vast academic and athletic background has given him the requisite skills to efficiently and effectively communicate and share his knowledge with the students.  His background is very similar to that of many of the students’ as he is from an inner-city community in Kingston and was fortunately given the opportunity to succeed. He is testimony to the possibilities that exist for students to achieve their fullest potential through programmes like the Real Madrid School.

During his visit he was able to interact with the students and coaches, introducing them to different techniques and styles of training. Aaron Lawrence, head coach, indicated that “his knowledge and expertise was well received and the students have benefited tremendously from this experience”.