In the heart of a record-breaking Reggae Sumfest staging, 25-year-old Janelle Bennett stood poised behind a food and beverage station at Reggae Sumfest’s Family Funday. Her role? Assisting with food service for patrons with a smile that masked the weight of her journey. For Janelle, a trainee at HEART/NSTA Trust’s Glendevon Campus, this wasn’t just a job—it was a breakthrough.

The collaboration between HEART/NSTA Trust and Reggae Sumfest opened doors for trainees like Janelle to gain hands-on experience in one of Jamaica’s most dynamic and high-pressure environments. 

“It was an excellent opportunity. I gained real experience working in a fast-paced setting, and it showed me what I’m capable of,” Janelle explained. 

Janelle’s story begins in Lilliput, St James—a community often shadowed by crime and economic hardship. 

“There are a lot of unemployed young people and young single mothers in my community.  I’m one myself, but I’m determined to rewrite my story. I enrolled in HEART’s Food and Beverage programme, as it is a globally recognised certification and has the potential for my financial independence,” Janelle added.

“I chose Food and Beverage because I believe it will give me the chance to help my family financially. It’s a path that can lead to job opportunities, and eventually, overseas programmes, which I’m very interested in,” Janelle added further.

At Sumfest, Janelle didn’t just serve food—she served hope. Her presence was a testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of opportunity. With the support of HEART/NSTA Trust and the exposure gained at Reggae Sumfest, she’s now one step closer to building a better future for herself and her child.

Following Reggae Sumfest under the HEART/NSTA Trust initiative, Janelle has subsequently done further on-the-job training in another demanding space, RIU Montego Bay.

HEART/NSTA Trust and Reggae Sumfest are now in their second year of collaborating on an initiative that sees trainees and graduates get hands-on experience and the opportunity to provide Sumfest at its most recent staging with workers in different areas, including hospitality.