Beryl Weir, executive director of the Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation, receives a cheque for US$36,000 (J$2.6 million) from Professor Donald Morgan, president and founder of the Jamaica Voluntary Association, on Thursday, August 21. The donation will fund the construction of kitchen and cafeteria facilities. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Young, disadvantaged women who frequent the Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation in New Kingston can expect to develop skills and training in the culinary sciences.

The Jamaica Voluntary Association, a charity based in the United States, donated a cheque worth US$36,000 (J$2.6 million) to the Women's Centre on August 21 to facilitate the construction of kitchen and cafeteria facilities.

The building, which was designed free of cost by architect, Vayden McMorris, founder and partner of McMorris Sibley Robinson Architects and Planners, will allow young girls and women to gain certified training at the Caribbean Examination Certificate level.

Imploring contributors

Professor Donald Morgan, president of the charity which is headquartered in Washington, DC, implored more persons to contribute to Jamaica's social organisations.

"Jamaicans at home and abroad must do more to assist social institutions in society, so that they can offer better services to all segments of the Jamaican community," he said.

Medical professionals

Morgan urged more trained medical professionals to lend their services to their nation first before migrating to developed nations, as he made a similar contribution to Kingston Public Hospital last week.

The US charity, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, contributed miscellaneous health supplies valued at US$30,000 (J$2.16 million) to the Kingston Public Hospital on August 8.

Celebrating 30 years of providing outreach for Jamaica's vulnerable women, Beryl Weir, executive director of the Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation, said the organisation had assisted more than 35,000 women over the years. The centre offers counselling, temporary accommodation, training and education.