Oseta Jolly Primary School Student Jared Meritus Wins First Wins PAHO’s Regional Youth for Voices Competition

Jared Meritus of the Oseta Jolly Primary School in Blue Hills, Providenciales, topped the region in the prestigious Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Youth for Voices Competition, with his winning entry was, a powerful poem entitled “I Want a Good Life”.

Josue Meritus (right), shares in the moment as his son, Jared, is presented with the PAHO Regional Youth for Voices Competition first place prize by Alrissa Gardiner, Primary Health Care Manager in the Ministry of Health.

Jared was first in the 10 to 14. A student from The Bahamas was second in that category.

 This year’s contest addressed the critical issue of teenage pregnancy, a topic chosen for its ability to convey the complexities and impact of the subject matter effectively.

Jared’s face beamed with excitement when asked how he felt about his victory.

 "I am incredibly proud and overjoyed to have won this competition! It took a lot of hard work and dedication, with countless hours spent with my teacher, Mrs. Dean, researching, writing, and refining my poem,” he said. “I wanted to make sure my ‘VOICE’ was heard by the judges and, more importantly, heard by those whom this message is for. This achievement is a testament to the support of my family, my teacher, and the entire Oseta Jolly Primary School community."

Diana Dean, Jared's mentor and a dedicated educator at Oseta Jolly Primary School, expressed immense pride in Jared's achievement.

"We are absolutely elated as a school," stated Mrs. Dean. "Jared had the option to submit an art piece or an essay, but we collectively decided that a poem would be the most impactful medium to articulate the nuances of teenage pregnancy. This victory is not just for Jared, but for our entire school community, and we carry this regional triumph with immense pride."

Principal, Mrs. Rachel Handfield, lauded Jared's success and reiterated her commitment to fostering student participation in such enriching activities. She states that these experiences are invaluable as they build students' confidence, enhance their critical thinking skills, develop their communication abilities, and expose them to diverse perspectives on important societal issues. She further emphasized that such competitions empower students to become active and informed citizens, capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities.

Mrs. Alrissa Gardiner, Primary Health Care Manager in the Ministry of Health, was there to present Jared with his prize.  She too expressed her sentiments.

 Alrissa Gardiner (second left), Primary Health Care Manager in the Ministry of Health, presents Jared Meritus with his prize for topping the PAHO Regional Youth for Voices Competition. Sharing in the moment from left are: Principal Rachel Handfield; Riley Smith, who also entered the competition, but was deemed too young; teacher and Jared’s Mentor Diania Dean;  and grade 5 teacher, Lesa Pickersgill, and whose class Jared is in.

“When I received the call from PAHO, I was truly excited that a student from the TCI was the first-place winner,” she revealed.  “This win for Jared came at a pivotal point for us in the Ministry of Health as we are drafting our Adolescent Health Policy with the goal of providing adolescent health programs that are designed to meet the growing needs of that population. Students like Jared will be involved in designing these programs and leading group discussions.  I wish to congratulate Jared and his support team once again on his win and thanks to PAHO for creating opportunities like these to hear from our region’s youth.”

The PAHO Youth for Voices Competition aims to amplify the voices of young people on health topics relevant to their lives, promoting creative expression and critical thinking among participants across the Americas.  Jared's victory not only highlights his exceptional talent but also underscores the Oseta Jolly Primary School's commitment to nurturing well-rounded, socially conscious individuals.