Social Studies and History teachers and students from St. Catherine High School visited King’s House 

On Monday, May 5, educators and students from the Social Studies and History departments at St. Catherine High School were graciously welcomed at King’s House, where they had the distinguished honor of meeting His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen, along with Major Dwayne Hill, the Secretary to the Governor-General.

They were provided with a comprehensive and enlightening overview of Jamaica’s path to independence, encompassing the role of the Monarchy as well as the functions of the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislative branches of government.

The visit was particularly noteworthy, as the information disseminated corresponded with the students’ CSEC Social Studies syllabus. Participants departed feeling enlightened, motivated, and more adequately equipped for their examinations.

The visit was a key part of the I Believe Initiative (IBI).

The I Believe Initiative (IBI), launched in 2011 is a values-based initiative under the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE).  The GGPE was established in 2014 as the secretariat for the two major social programmes affiliated with the Office of the Governor-General; the other being the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA), established 1991.

The IBI, which was inspired by His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen’s Inaugural Speech as Governor-General in 2009, aims to encourage all Jamaicans to develop a sense of self-assurance and national pride. The initiative was officially launched in May 2011 after extensive consultations with several focus groups to identify the specific areas of attention and to develop the character of the movement.