1950's
BEGINNINGS AND EARLY DAYS
In the 1950’s, the Juveniles Authority in Kingston made it clear that Children’s Homes on the island should not have a mixture of difficult children with conduct disorders along with children who need care and protection.
The Sisters of Mercy due to the kindness of a benefactor who gave money to purchase land in the Parish of Manchester, met this need for more difficult and disturbed boys and constructed buildings that would serve as this Approved School, St. John Bosco.
Four Sisters of Mercy who made the Mt. Claver Convent their new home, remained in the residence. They were Sister Mary Scholastica Scott, Sister Mary Thecla Lautier, Sister M. Berchmans Lluch and Sister H. Clarke.
During the next 5-6 years, St. John Bosco continued as a Children’s Home as various Sisters took turns in supervising the operations of the school. It was a time when few trades were introduced but when all was told, there was not much going on that would kindle the kind of enthusiasm that would lead one to opt for this ministry. At this juncture, the Mercy community felt challenged to conduct a feasibility study to ascertain whether to continue this work or close the institution. The study showed that with creative and visionary leadership, the school could prove a success.
1970's
Time of Transition
Sister Susan Frazer and (Sister Noreen Gray now deceased) was newly assigned to Bosco. They worked with Bro. Browne and as a team,they reenergized the boys and the programme. During this time,the livestock component for which Bosco is now well known began with the purchase of two pigs from Bodles Research Farm. Another fine example of the proverbial mustard seed growing to immense proportions.
In 1984 Sister Susanwas appointed Superintendent. That year,the first biogas digester, employing modern technology to utilize animal refuse for methane gas was built with the assistance of Projects for People.
In 1985 another feasibility study was conducted by a UWI research team re the possibilities of establishing formal butcher training as an area of study and training for the boys met with positive response. In February 1989,a fire destroyedthe building that was been used asa Butcher Training Shop.
1990's
A Time of Intensive Development
In 1993the catering department also starteda new butcher shop was just about ready for occupation with the infrastructure complete.The administration was able to give some much-needed attention to Staff Development through a program offered in Trinidad called AdolescentDevelopment Programme (ADP) this programme was introduced to St. John Bosco in 1994 after Sister Susan took a trip to Trinidad. Approximately 18 members of staff have received this training over the years.
The closing of the 20thcentury witnessed tremendous growth and development at St. John Bosco with the support of Bishop Paul Boyle (RIP) and his support team, generous friends, foundations, and well-wishers.
2000
Time of Transition
The years have not been without their challenges.Wetransition into the 21stcentury by making some improvements. In 2018 there was a name change St. John Bosco Children’s home was now St. John Bosco Career Advancement Institute. Some of160 boys ranging from 6-18 + weretransferred to other children’s home and the older ones who were in trades remained.Education, trade training and other important life skills are important to the growth of a child’s development. The schedule of our boys is very structured which gives a great deal of stability to those who have not had the security they needed in their early years.
Minimizing violent and bullying behaviouris one of the focus of the schoolbecause of this.we went inpartnershipwith Ministryof Education Region 5. This partnership brought abouta Time Out Programme for high school boys who are on suspension or about to be expelled. The hiring of newteaching staff was done to meet the demand of the Time Out Programme. Barbering was introduced as a new trade. Few of the time out boys were introduced to some of the trades
2020
Vocational Training
There was a name change to the school which is now St. John Bosco Vocational Training Centre. This programme caters to males and females. It has been providing vocational training and apprenticeship in the culinary arts, butchering, and animal husbandry over the past thirty years. Our trade programme aims to provide enriching learning opportunities for all students. It is our mission to expand our students’ skillset through work integrated learning to allow them to practice the skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. Our holistic learning approach includes personal development training to improve the life skills of our graduates; helping them to achieve their qualifications, enhance their employability and motivate their entrepreneurial pursuits.
