From police officers to a lecturer at the University of the West Indies the SOS Children’s Village Jamaica recognized success through their awards ceremony at Round Hill Resort and Villas.

“We are celebrating excellence. There are a number of individuals who grew up in the SOS family and despite early challenges in life; they have made a successful transition into independent living and making a meaningful contribution in society” the national director for the SOS Children’s Village Jamaica Gregory Wint, explained during the awards ceremony.

The SOS Children’s Village Jamaica honoured 17 individuals who have now moved on to be employed in the financial, education, security and hospitality sector.

According to Wint it is important to recognize their excellence in a bid to inspire other children in similar circumstances to do just as well.

“We have committed staffs that are really devoted to these children who see these children as their own and that is what we expect of the mothers and I think that the family- oriented model that we have is very unique” the national director for the SOS Children’s Village Jamaica explained when asked what is their recipe for success.

Michael Sutherland, an employee at the National Commercial Bank was once a child as SOS Children’s Village and gave a warm reflection of his life at the facility that he credits to his success today.

“The loved they showed and are still showing me is one to emulate. Some may beg to differ but being at the SOS Children’s Village Jamaica was a privilege and opportunity in disguise. Not many children in the society can attest what a family is even though we are not biological related I am blessed to have been there” Sutherland noted.

He added that over that he has learnt that being a leader is better than a follower and it was through the lessons that he learnt at the home that he applied in his daily life.

The SOS Children’s Village Jamaica was founded in 1970 by Dr. Harland Hastings, John Rollins and Heinz Simonitsch.