From left, working partners Everal Daley, Conrad Taylor and Romaine Barnett when they participated in the Schools' Challenge Quiz competition for Camperdown High. - ricardo makyn

For 19-year-old Everal Daley, providing free basic education for Jamaicans is a priority. He, along with Jamilia Crooks, Romaine Barnett, Junior Samuel, Conrad Taylor and Kadesha Grant, have embarked on a drive to educate persons in the inner city.

His initiative, 'Ghetto Wise', is an evening institution that caters to the core educational needs of persons living in Mckintyre Villa, Kingston. It began operations in September and now has five students registered for classes. The programme is aimed at persons who want help but cannot afford it.

The programme is free of cost and the teachers are willing and qualified. "I just need the help. my team and I would love for corporate Jamaica to assist us with getting a building."

Daley wants to ensure that anyone interested can become qualified by achieving the basic levels of education in English Language, Mathematics and Human and Social Biology. He is currently a first year student at the Mico University College in Kingston majoring in Chemistry. He is a past student of the Camperdown High School and a member of the 2006 Schools' Challenge Quiz team.

"These classes are for persons in the working world who cannot afford a formal day because of time constraints; they can visit the community centre when they have time. For high school students who will be sitting the exams and need the extra help, 'Ghetto Wise' will be an avenue for them too," he added.

"I believe that education plays an important role in society and when one is educated they are able to play a substantial role in society. Persons who are educated will be marketable in this global village that we exist," Daley said.

He believes that with this drive for education, Jamaica can be a better place. "By empowering the youths in the ghetto, the youths can change; instead of the guns they will want to take up a book," he added.