HISTORY OF THE JUNIOR CENTRE
The Institute of Jamaica was established in 1879 by Sir Anthony Musgrave and has
developed as a significant cultural, artistic and scientific organization in the
country.
In 1940, a Junior Centre was opened by Mr. Robert Verity at East Street, and was
the first lending library for children in Jamaica and an Exhibition Centre for Jamaican
artists.
Today, the library at East Street houses books, magazines, journals, etc. appropriate
for young persons between the ages of 6-18 years old. There are several special
collections in the Junior Centre Library, namely the West Indian Collection, the
Reference Collection and the Junior Collection. Typing and Internet facilities are
now available.
Under the influence of Sir Phillip Sherlock, the Junior Centre has become a place
where children develop their creative skills and are exposed to cultural and moral
values via various art forms.
Workshops in Art/Craft, Papermaking, Music, Speech/Drama, Dance, Needlework, Storytelling,
Drumming, Reading, Computer Skills, Personal Development and Heritage Fun Studies
are conducted at the Junior Centre from Mondays to Saturdays. A Counsellor also
visits the Centre twice weekly to conduct counseling sessions with students.
Similar programmes, including Sign Language are carried out at the Junior Centre
in Greater Portmore (beside the Greater Portmore Post Office), which was opened
in 1996 and the Half Way Tree Junior Centre located on the grounds of the St. Andrew
Parish Church (the Old Court House) which re-opened in September 2002.
The Junior Centres recognize that we are living in a global village and the development
of individuals need to continue into adulthood. In light of this, the Junior Centres
have expanded its scope to serve persons over the age of 18 years. In October 2005
the East Street Junior Centre began offering classes in English Language and Computer
Skills for persons age 19 years and over.
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 East Street Junior Centre
The Junior Centre became Jamaica's first lending Library for children... read more
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 Half Way Tree Junior Centre Located in the centre of Half Way Tree and housed in an historic building...
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 Greater Portmore Junior Centre
Through its vision various programmes, the Junior Centre has taught thousands of students to draw...
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