5 Questions with Malikai Allwood

On the 20th of May, 2003, Malikai Andre Allwood became the firstborn of a twin (Maliek & Malikai Allwood). He was born at the University of the West Indies Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Central Kingston, Cloverly Road - what many would call the Garrison. Malikai, a youth advocate, student leader, and the founder of the Exam Relief Aid, is a patriotic young man full of vision, but he is also passionate about putting action to each vision to change the world. Being young does not stop Malikai from being mature about his thoughts and actions, and as such, he has made it his duty to contribute to Jamaica's sustainable development. The gift of life is precious to him. Therefore, he remains prayerful and continues to serve to the best of his ability. We have had the opportunity to ask Malikai five questions, and below are his responses that will, without a doubt, leave young people empowered.

1. Tell us a little about your educational journey.

From a tender age, I stood out amongst my peers. I was entrusted the privilege of being the Head boy at the Bethel Basic school, where I attended and recited a speech in front of the graduating class of 2009. Then, I spent four (4) years at the Clan Carthy Primary school, where I engaged in a series of track and field events - sport was dear to my heart. Inspired by Usain Bolt, I continued to compete competitively in sports days, representing the 'Red House.' In grade three (3), I was offered the opportunity to compete at the Miami Classics on behalf of the school, but I was unable to due to the family's financially tight position. Cavell Dunnan-Allwood, my mom, firmly believed in the power of education as it was seen as the only vehicle for change at the time. I achieved mastery in my Literacy and Numeracy exams, which qualified me for matriculation to the fifth (5th) grade.

However, my family moved to Portmore, shifting my schooling to Kensington Primary in Greater Portmore, St. Catherine. In grade six (6), I achieved an exceptional average of 93.4 in GSAT, which secured me a place at the prominent Kingston College (KC); I was inspired by my uncles, who are past students of KC. I attained a very notable average and was merited the prestigious Helen Douglas Award in first (1st) form. In second (2nd) form, I won the position of Class Captain, which I held for two (2) consecutive years. During my first three (3) years at KC, I was also very involved in track and field, competing at various meets but always fell short of making the championship team.

Later that year, my parents decided that I quit track and field to focus on my academics. I am a very disciplined and mannered individual, and that allotted me many opportunities of being a part of school integration galas and other events. In fifth (5th) form, I was elected as Class Captain again as my peers have always had deep respect and faith in my leadership. I also spearheaded the "Each One Teach One" Initiative. This initiative helped over a hundred students island-wide and across the Caribbean region in preparation for examinations.

In the 2020 Caribbean Secondary Examinations, I continued to do exploits as I passed all eight (8) of my subjects. I achieved seven (7) general ones and a general two (2). Later that year, I was invited to give a speech on behalf of my school, being one (1) of three (3) students selected island-wide. I shared my story and offered inspiration to upcoming youths at a Virtual Ceremony celebrating the NCB Foundation's contribution to subsidiaries.

I graduated fifth form with an honours diploma, which qualified me for matriculation to Sixth (6th) Form. I am currently the Class Captain, upcoming Head Boy,

President of the Interact Club, President of the Kingston College Sixth Form Association, a School Prefect, and I also serve as a Church Youth President. I have been privileged to represent Jamaican Youths on multiple cylinders, advocating for more mediums to push youth entrepreneurship or being a global youth delegate for climate change. Speaking of climate change, recently, I was accepted to represent Jamaica as a delegate at the 2021 Global Youth Climate Change event, which took place virtually in Bangladesh, India. I am also an ambassador for the 'Respect Jamaica' advocacy organization, and I serve as the Public Relations Officer at Nationwide Youth Empowerment, a community developmental organization.

2. What motivates you to go after your goals?

The conscious reality of the certainty of death; the thought of being alive and not actually 'living.' Questions like, "who do I want to be remembered as?" "What am I going to be remembered for?" "Did I live a fulfilled life? Did my life give meaning to somebody else's?"

Growing up, my family didn't have much, and seeing their tenacious ability to give, has always inspired me. Experiences of power outages due to financial instability and seeing my family remain with deposition of hope moved me to be optimistic, believing there is a better and brighter day always to unfold.

Every sacrifice made by them has and always will be recognized as I stand, REPRESENTING in different capacities. My aim has always been to be impactful: reaching people, connecting with their uniqueness’s, and solving problems is my mission. The daring belief that I will leave a legacy that outlives my great-great-grandchildren and changing the trajectory of people's lives in a positive way globally.

3. Tell us about the "Exam Relief Aid" initiative.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity of spearheading the 'Exam Relief Aid.' This initiative, founded by me, was able to reach an astronomical amount of (3,198) three thousand, one hundred and ninety-eight students from the Cape Unit 1 level in preparing for exams (FREE OF COST).

Incorporating countries such as:

- Barbados

- Trinidad

- Antigua

- Grenada

- Guyana

- St. Martins

I built this initiative on the belief that we students and youths can choose to 'Embrace Resilience amidst Difficulty.' Being very cognizant of the devastating effects COVID-19 has posed on the efficiency of our global systems, let alone our Jamaican education system. Acknowledging this, I developed a team of student facilitators for each respective subject. These facilitators were students like myself from various schools across Jamaica.

To name a few:

- Kingston College

- Immaculate Conception

- The Queens High School

- St. Catherine High School

- Cedar Grove Academy

- Pre - UWI

- St. Hugh’s High School

Through strong student partnerships, this initiative became a success. It has served and will continue to serve as a beacon of hope to the many youths of Jamaica. The global pandemic has not only weakened the education system of Jamaica, but it has revealed the immeasurable strength that lies in us, students.

4. Share your recipe for creating a balance between extra-curricular activities and academics.

It is with the understanding that both are important, each in its own respect, and therefore requires commitment and efficient time management. I strongly recommend having firstly, a vision - a detailed description of what you will achieve in a set period (determined by yourself). Secondly, having a tangible plan; a weekly, monthly, or yearly plan that keeps you focused on attaining that higher VISION. I'm a firm believer in having a schedule of your priorities and focus on executing each as they align on your agenda. Thirdly, having accountability partners - friends, siblings, or advisors that will ensure you execute your plans. Personally, I can say my friends: Kyle Sarju, Rasheed Johnston, and my twin (Maliek Allwood), have kept me accountable.

Importantly, taking care of my mental health also contributes to my success in managing both dimensions. Acknowledging when you're overwhelmed and taking time to rest and rejuvenate is very important and necessary. Rejuvenation can look like listening to empowering music and totally doing absolutely nothing productive for a whole day. Personally, prayer has played an integral role in my rejuvenation process, having a space or habit that positively allows you to not worry in spite of circumstances and breathes a fresh perspective for a new day. Utilizing those breaks to re-evaluate your motives and approach is also important.

5. What is one piece of advice you would give to your peers today?

Dare to dream and follow that dream. Whatever your heart is set on irrevocably, I believe that is God's way of telling you it's already yours. We just have to give ourselves more credit and permission to be exceptional. Excellence is not relegated to 'some people,' it's open to any and every one that believes and practices the discipline of excellence. Never be imprisoned by the expectations and opinions of others.

The belief is that our Jamaican youths always have a role to play in narrowing deficient gaps in society, whether we believe it or not. We can agitate present structures with effective community mobilization, causing them to re-evaluate and re-vision a nation without emulating a system passed down from the British colony. Jamaican youths firstly must agree on being adequately educated, not to be a part of society solely, but to have the competency to influence the "higher society.''

Crime and violence have always been a deep-rooted issue over the centuries in Jamaica; it is not just subjected to a one-dimensional cause. Political interference is one way we can help change the narrative. "Culture is the starting and ending of everything." Yes, we may have the right intentions, but if our culture doesn't encourage the simple gestures of violence, there will always be efforts that have no lasting effect. Now, always pressuring the culture may not be an easy task; it is by speaking and openly demanding accountability from all sectors of Jamaica.

1. Our entertainment industry

2. Our community MPs

3. Our commercial sector - ensuring adequate employment opportunities are present for both genders.

4. Our inequitable schooling system gaps bridged with cultures that embrace equal access to education and opportunities.

4. By initiating entrepreneurship notions - opening businesses.

There is so much we as people can and should do!