Sygnus has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing literacy and critical-thinking skills among young boys through its recent partnership with Amplified Studios’ ‘Reading N’ Reasoning With 500 Boys’ initiative.

With a generous donation of US$1,500, the Sygnus team demonstrated their unwavering support for this noble cause, engaging actively with boys at Devon House’s Most Hon. Edward Seaga Suite to inspire a love for reading and foster critical-thinking skills.

This event provided an engaging platform for the boys from various schools, including Rollington Town Primary School, Hope Valley Experimental School, Jessie Ripoll Primary School, Holy Family Primary and Infant School, Jones Town Primary School and Trench Town Primary, to immerse themselves in captivating stories and enriching discussions.

Present at the event were: Chad-Anthony Coke, business development, junior analyst, who engaged the students with the book Anansi Does The Impossible by Verna Aardema; Damani Reid, investment management associate; Andre Waite, investment management junior analyst; and Ryan Landey, AVP, investment management, who fostered conflict-resolution discussions with the boys. Additionally, Nicholas Davis, investment banking associate, delighted the children by dressing up as the beloved children’s book character, Geronimo Stilton.

“Sygnus decided to partner with Amplified Studios as the stars were aligned given that the focus of the initiative is investing in education and development for boys through social impact. We believe reading is important for boys for various reasons, including academic success, vocabulary development and critical thinking. Encouraging boys to read and creating opportunities for them to develop this interest is vital for our current and future generations. Witnessing the young boys engage in reading and critical thinking was inspiring, and their problem-solving skills were particularly commendable. Through multiple conflict-resolution scenarios, I was impressed by their ability to navigate challenging situations without resorting to violence, a significant feat in a country grappling with high crime and violence rates. The mission of Amplified Studios is a great one as it provides more boys with books which will assist with the development of life-essential skills. These initiatives are important to Sygnus not just because our founders are males but because it supports our corporate social responsibility mantra of supporting and investing in literacy for the nation’s development,” explained Landey. 

The Reading N’ Reasoning Initiative, launched in November 2022 and spearheaded by Joel Nomdarkham, chief impact creator at Amplify Studios, aims to lay a foundation for a brighter future for the community and the nation. Investing in the education and development of boys bears long-term benefits for both society and the economy, making this initiative an essential cornerstone for the advancement of the community. This initiative aims to impact the lives of 500 boys ages 6 – 12 ahead of International Men’s Day, on November 19. 

“I was very happy and excited upon learning that Sygnus would be coming on board to support our initiative. Their timely contribution was instrumental in aiding us to manage our budget, enabling us to cover transportation costs for the students, procure books, and enhance the Devon House experience. Sygnus not only made a generous donation but also actively participated by engaging with the boys. As is often the case, female teachers predominantly dominate the classroom. After launching Reading N’ Reasoning, I intentionally designed the programme to have males involved in reading and interacting with the boys. It’s crucial to have positive male influences actively involved in education, especially in nurturing a love for reading and learning. The presence and engagement of the Sygnus team conveyed a powerful message to the boys, showing them the heights they can achieve,” explained Nomdarkham. 

Sygnus remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster literacy, education, and the overall development of the nation’s youth, as part of its core corporate social responsibility values. To date, this initiative has impacted 395 boys in the region.