Malique B. is the perfect example of balancing sports and academics at Christel House Jamaica. For him, being exposed to football and track and field has been some of the best experiences of his life. “Every sport mi do here at Christel House is fun,” he says enthusiastically. 

Malique’s dedication to athletics has already earned him a bronze medal in long jump at the Western Primary Championships. He also represented Christel House at the INSPORTS Primary School Track and Field Championships. He is positive about the future and believes that through sports and academics, he can be successful. 

“It can make me like Usain Bolt… whole world knows me,” he says. As a footballer, he also looks up to Lionel Messi. 

In addition to sports, Malique excels in his schoolwork and has a hard time choosing a subject he doesn’t like. “I absolutely love mathematics,” says this member of the Math Olympiad team. As a finalist, he admits he is both excited and anxious to get the results from the February competition.  

Malique looks up to his mother, Shauna-Kay, who encourages and motivates him. “She motivates me by reminding me that education is the key. Without her, I wouldn’t be here, and I promise to take care of her when I am successful in the future.” 

His mother is equally proud and grateful for Christel House Jamaica’s role in his development. “I know from day one he is a smart child, but Christel House helped a lot with the level he is at now. For me, I couldn’t afford anything, so to have him there is a blessing.” 

She recalls his first award ceremony when he expected to receive an award but didn’t. Instead of feeling discouraged, Malique told her, “Next year, I will definitely get it.” He kept that promise, winning awards every year since, including three awards last school year: Top Boy, Top Performer in Mathematics, and Top Performer in Language Arts. 

Discipline is also important to Shauna-Kay, “There’s a saying, ‘Dance a yaad before you dance abroad.’ I ensure Malique is behaved and that I don’t get bad reports about him.” She appreciates how Christel House supports this: “I realize the school is big on how children represent the school and their behaviour.” 

Malique says, “I like how they treat students and how the teachers respect the students.” His journey reflects Christel House Jamaica’s impact in shaping young lives, giving children like Malique the opportunity to thrive, both in sports and academics.