By Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Spanish Town

Several students from schools throughout St. Catherine were given valuable lessons on how to take photographs depicting newsworthy events.

The students, who convened at the Dinthill Technical High School in St Catherine on Thursday, were part of the 'Youth Zoom' High School Photography Competition Workshop, where renowned photographer Howard Moo Young told them of the great impact photojournalists can have on the country. He told them that they should remain focused and not be influenced by 'dons and politicians', but through the lens they can make a great impact on the country in which they live.

He said the photo competition, which is in its third year, can help them to be more focused. He also presented them with cameras.

The initiative, done with the aid of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), is aimed at encouraging the children to do something constructive.

General manager of the foundation, Ruth Jankee, said $1.7 million has been spent to facilitate this year's competition, and that last year, 35 schools applied, and 19 participated.

Jankee said the JNBS is a group that is around to facilitate positive changes in the rural communities in which they operate, and it is for that reason that Kingston and St. Andrew is not a part of the competition.

This year's theme is 'Take Your Best Shot'. Several of the participating students expressed joy at having the opportunity to show their artistic skills. The winner will pocket $10,000.