The Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) recently honoured Jamaica-born Leighton Henry for voluntary work in education.
Henry, a Jamaica Defence Force soldier and border, industrial and hospitality security administrator in Jamaica, migrated to Canada over a decade ago and is now the co-chair of the Caribbean International Student Group in Ontario, Canada.
It is a role that he relishes.
“Since I’ve been in Canada I’ve recognised that information is king and is key to settling. This is so because, without it, one can be chasing one’s tail and spending more money and time than needed. That being said, I have been a member of the JCA Caribbean International Student Group providing this information to my fellow countrymen and women ... through webinars and workshops that are organised based on the group’s needs. These include culture and workplace, immigration, health and wellness, job preparation, resume’ editing and mock interviews, career mentoring webinars and counselling for those in need,” Henry told The Gleaner.
President of the JCA, Adaoma Patterson, praised Henry’s unrelenting drive to see the initiative succeed.
“We are so thankful for Leighton. He came to the organisation in 2019 as a volunteer and he immediately assisted in developing the new students group. His passion and commitment in supporting young people and students attending school in Canada is excellent. We have had a number of students who have benefited with jobs and support. Leighton and the team provide constant value and support,” Patterson said.
Henry completed his postgraduate certificate studies in project management at Humber Institute of Applied Technology, having already earned a master’s degree in business administration from the Mona School of Business, Mona campus, at the University of the West Indies.
But his passion for helping newcomers succeed and avoid the common pitfalls spurred him on to be more than just another international student.
Article & Photo from: The Gleaner