5 Questions with Shemaiah Whyte

Shemaiah White, Student, and Philanthropist.

1. Tell a little about your education journey.

I am a past student of the Accompong Basic and Primary school, and the Black River High. I presently attend the St. Elizabeth Technical High and I am also doing an online course in Project Management at Shaw Academy.

2. What inspired you to volunteer and start a foundation?

Well, for the longest time I knew that I wanted to make a difference. It might not be big but even if it’s just between me and the person I’m helping, I’m good with that. I am a genuine and high spirited person and I enjoy helping out where I can as best as possible. However, with the pandemic I saw it as a great opportunity to put my plans to action. People constantly need food and with all the protocols to be adhered to some won’t leave the house much. Care package were been issued worldwide and I taught that since this is the new norm, I could do it for a few of the kids of the Primary School and a few elders within the community as well as a few from a neighboring community.

3. Tell us more about your foundation and how others can partner with you.

My foundation is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help persons as well as communities. Starting off I’ll be focusing on my community which is Accompong and work my way further to the neighboring communities. Within our small communities there are along of talents and passion that can be manifested into something great if given the right opportunity or help. ASO (Accompong Social Outreach) will ensure that the help is given in the best form we can. Projects such as clean up, paint day, beautification, school packages, clothing packages, scholarships, person packages, food packages, grants, etc. are all been worked on for the successful operation of the organization. Persons who wish to partner with me or just for further information can contact me via email at accompongsocialoutreach@gmail.com or call me at (876-212-0607). We are currently undergoing changes hence, no projects are been done right now but very soon I hope to continue.

4.What do you enjoy in your spare time?

I enjoy dancing as I teach smaller children African dancing within my community, along with going to the beach, reading, watching movies, going out with friends & family, shopping, hiking alongside others. I have a significantly large number of hobbies.

5. What advice do you have for other young people who would like to volunteer and start a foundation?

Firstly, you have to be prepared to fail because no business venture/ organization operates successfully without failures that teaches you how to learn and grown. They are setbacks for greater comebacks. Share your ideas with someone. You might never know who is really interest in your plan unless you outline and explain it to them. Don’t hold on to a dream too long get up, go out and make it work. Be humble. It might take a longer time for you but that doesn’t mean you won’t get there. Trust the process and the series of events that’s getting you where you want/need to be. Trust yourself to make the right decisions at the right time and know that regardless you can do it, for yourself and all the persons going to benefit from your idea. Above all pray! Speak to God about what you plan to do and your vision of it and ask him for help to get you where you want to be. Put in your share of the work and allow God to do his and see how things will turn out for you.

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