We are joyful to share a powerful new collaboration between Kingston Marley's Children for Change charity, based in Miami, Florida, and P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy, raise money for shoes, balls, training equipment and travel expenses for Jamaica's first youth travel basketball club. This partnership is born from a shared vision of empowering talented young athletes from disadvantaged communities, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive both on and off the court.
A Legacy of Connection and Compassion
Kingston Marley the 16 year old, co-founder of Children for Change charity alongside his sister Kalani, 13 years old, brings a deep personal connection to this initiative. Although Miami-born and raised, Kingston has always remained deeply tied to his Jamaican roots. A pivotal moment in Kingston's journey came at the age of eight during a trip to Jamaica. He attended a youth camp in Browns Town, St. Ann, hosted by his Aunt Teana Woolcock through her Love Unlimited Foundation.
At the camp, Kingston, was alongside 200 other local Jamaican children, where he experienced firsthand the stark differences in living conditions. This eye-opening experience sparked a conversation with his mother, Melayna, about how he could help. It was then that the idea for Children for Change charity was born, aiming to provide educational resources and support to children in need. Currently, the charity supports three schools in the Parish of St. Ann where his legendary grandfather Bob Marley was born and has plans to expand to Trenchtown Primary in Kingston where his grandfather was raised.
Kingston's dedication to carrying on his grandfather Bob Marley's "One Love" legacy is evident in his commitment to this cause. With a family background rich in sports – his father, Ky-Mani Marley, and his uncles are all competitive athletes – Kingston has a natural inclination toward using sports as a vehicle for change. Kingston reflects his dedication to both his heritage and basketball by playing point guard for P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy Jamaica, while also playing for Miami Palmetto Senior High School and AAU with Miami Triple Threat.
"It's important to me to make the time for the charity because I think it's important for all children to have a special thing in their life. If they want to play basketball then they should have a basketball to play with. If they want to go to school then they should have the books they need to go." - Kingston Marley, Co-Founder Children for Change
Partnership Objectives
The collaboration between Children for Change charity and P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy Jamaica is grounded in a mutual commitment to fostering the personal, educational, and athletic development of youth from low-income families in Jamaica. Our primary objectives include:
- Youth Development: Foster personal, educational, and athletic growth through structured basketball programs.
- Access to Opportunities: Provide talented children with the chance to participate in competitive basketball locally and internationally.
- Community Engagement: Strengthen community ties and foster a sense of community through sports.
- Educational Support: Promote academic achievement and provide academic support to ensure a balance between sports and studies.
- Health and Well-being: Encourage healthy lifestyles and physical fitness through regular sports activities.
Roles and Responsibilities
Children for Change charity, based in Miami, Florida, has several key responsibilities to ensure the success of its partnership with P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy Jamaica. The Charity will develop and execute fundraising initiatives, including events, online campaigns, and grant applications, to secure financial resources for the youth basketball program. They will also manage donations by establishing transparent processes for receiving, tracking, and allocating funds, with regular reporting to stakeholders. Additionally, Children for Change will provide mentorship by offering strategic guidance, training, and development sessions for coaches and administrators at P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy.
P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy Jamaica has several key responsibilities to ensure the success of its partnership with Children for Change charity. The Academy will identify eligible children from disadvantaged communities who demonstrate talent and potential in basketball. They will manage local programs by overseeing the implementation of basketball activities, organizing training sessions, and ensuring the provision of necessary equipment and facilities. Additionally, P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy will ensure the proper use of funds by maintaining accurate financial records, adhering to budgetary guidelines, and providing regular updates and reports on fund allocation and expenditure.
Conclusion
This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting and impactful journey between Children for Change charity and P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy Jamaica. With a clear and comprehensive agreement, we are committed to transparency, accountability, and the effective use of donor funds. Together, we aim to unlock the potential of every child, paving the way for a brighter future filled with opportunity and hope. Through our shared values of integrity, respect, and inclusivity, we look forward to building a partnership that not only transforms lives but also inspires positive change in our communities.
"So much potential has been lost in Jamaica due to basic resource and infrastructure deficiencies. We are excited to have Kingston and Kalani’s Children for Change charity working together to alleviate these challenges." - Wayne Dawkins, Global Director and Head Coach, P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy Jamaica
Call to Action
Join us in this movement to support Jamaica's youth basketball efforts and help us make a lasting impact on the lives of these talented young athletes. Your support and donations are crucial in providing these children with the opportunities they deserve. Visit our team rosters on our website https://www.phase1academy.com/teams to learn more about our Jamaican youth and how you can donate. Together, we can make a difference!
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