Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Spanish Town, St. Catherine

Several students from schools throughout St. Catherine were given valuable lessons on how to take photographs depicting newsworthy events on Thursday.

The students, who convened at the Dinthill Technical High School in St. Catherine, were part of the 'Youth Zoom' High School Photography Competition Workshop, where renowned photographer, Howard Moo Young, told them of the great impact photo journalists can have on the nation. He encouraged them to remain focused and not be influenced by 'dons and politicians' but through the lens they can make great impact on the country in which they live.

In addition, he told them they are the future and that the photography competition, which is in its third year, can help them to be more focused. He also presented them with cameras for them to carry out the task.

A JNBS initiative

The initiative, which is part of the Jamaica National Building Society's foundation, was conceived to keep students focused and allow them to do something constructive and to their benefits.

Ruth Jankee, general manager of the foundation, said a total of $1.7 million has been spent to facilitate this years competition and that, last year, 35 schools applied, of which 19 participated.

The GM continued that the JNBS is a group that is around to facilitate positive changes in the rural communities in which they operate and that, it is for that reason that Kingston and St. Andrew are not a part of the competition.

This year's theme is 'Take your best shot'. Several of the participating students expressed joy at having the opportunity to express their artistic skills. The eventual winner could walk away with $10,000 for their effort.