IYF leads Ash Wednesday beach clean-up
Published:Friday | March 7, 2025 | 12:06 AMPaul H. Williams/Gleaner Writer
From 6 a.m. on Ash Wednesday, the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) in Jamaica was leading more than 200 volunteers in cleaning up a section of the beach along Palisadoes Road which is frequented by locals and visitors.
“Yes, it’s the first time. This came about through noticing issues that our society faces. We were considering other projects, such as road improvements and other ideas, but we chose to start with a beach clean-up,” Ryan Bromfield, IYF country manager/coordinator, told The Gleaner. “This is a campaign that we are starting with the theme ‘Giving is better than receiving’, which we have learnt through the Bible and want to implant this mindset in a practical way to our youths.”
One of the volunteers, Makalia Hart, a 23-year-old University of Technology, Jamaica students, said, “I initially chose to volunteer for the IYF Beach Clean-Up because of my concern for global warming and environmental issues. I wanted to do my part in protecting our beaches and marine life, knowing that pollution contributes to climate-change and the destruction of our natural world. However, being there and witnessing the overwhelming turnout gave me a deeper understanding of what we were truly accomplishing.”
After the clean-up, the volunteers gathered at Caribbean Maritime University for a post-event celebratory session. All participants were provided breakfast and refreshments, while The JA Xpressions dance group and the Hummingbirds Choir brought much energy and excitement into the mix. And, according to Bromfield, the “key highlight” of the event was a lecture on mindset change, focusing on how transforming thoughts can lead to a better Jamaica.
“The message resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the idea that a shift in mentality can create a positive ripple effect in society. This event marked just the first of many campaigns that IYF plans to carry out to shape the minds of Jamaican youths for a better future,” Bromfield said.
“The IYF remains committed to developing youth leadership, fostering a spirit of volunteerism, and creating opportunities for personal growth. Through initiatives like these, the organisation aims to empower the next generation to take responsibility for their country’s future and lead with a heart of giving.”
SPIRIT OF SELFLESSNESS
The IYF is a Christian-based global youth initiative. With more than 90 branches worldwide, it is dedicated to the spiritual, intellectual, and emotional growth of young people around the world. It produces and oversees an array of activities that allow anyone to become a volunteer and give their service in areas such as the World Camp, the Good News Corp, the performing arts, and local community outreach. It was established in Jamaica in 2001.
Upon reflecting on what took place on Wednesday, Bromfield said, “With joyful hearts and smiles on their faces, the participants worked together to remove waste and debris, demonstrating the spirit of selfless giving that IYF aims to cultivate across Jamaica.
“This initiative is part of IYF’s broader mission to instill a proper mindset in young people, helping them grow into responsible and compassionate leaders for the country’s future. It was fabulous to see so many young people come out so early to clean up on a public holiday, when they could have done other things ... . We plan to do more projects like these in the future. This proves that Jamaica has a bright future despite the many issues that we face.”