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Homecoming: Alpha Boys School Alum takes charge of Vocational Training Centre

Incoming Principal Alfred Poyser not only knows the challenges, he lived them and overcame them.

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The Sisters of Mercy in Jamaica are pleased to welcome Alpha Boys School past student Alfred Poyser as the new principal of the Alpha Vocational Training Centre (AVTC) - the 2-year skills training programme offering barbering, carpentry, screen printing and music instruction to at-risk young men. Principal Poyser, who replaces retiring Principal Ernest Donaldson, was a student in Alpha's former residential programme from he 3 years old until he left in 1997 at the age of 17.


At the time, like most Alpha boys, he was known by his nickname, Q, trained as a musician and followed in the footsteps of generations of Alpha boys when he joined the military band. A US-based Alpha volunteer in the 1980s, Jay Sullivan,  wrote a book about Alpha, Raising Gentle Men: Lives at the Orphanage Edge, and put a photo of a young Q on the cover. Once again, Q is on the Alpha frontpage, only this time, he is Principal Alfred Poyser.


“I have known Q since he was a boy and I couldn’t forget about him,” says Sister Susan, the Area Administrator of the Sisters of Mercy in Jamaica. “How could I forget? He was on the cover of a wonderful book by Jay Sullivan so he was always in my thoughts. The Sisters of Mercy and Alpha are so glad that he has found his way back. We are blessed to have him.”


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Principal Poyser on the Alpha campus.

“Returning to Alpha as principal is a complex and deeply emotional experience,” says Principal Poyser. “It's a journey from a vulnerable boy seeking refuge to a man in a position of leadership and responsibility. It's a chance to bridge the gap between my past and present, and to create a future where young men can find the same support and opportunities I did.”


Poyser’s past experiences brings valuable practical skills and broad understanding workplace standards to the mission of the Alpha Vocational Training Centre. Following his military career, he pursued careers in the education and security industries, both locally and overseas. The broad range of experiences, from hands-on technical roles to leadership positions, has equipped Principal Poyser with a forward thinking vision required to address the unique blend of academic, vocational and personal needs of students today


“Our focus on individualized learning ensures that each student receives the support they need to succeed,” says Principal Poyser. “By combining academic excellence with practical skills training, we prepare our students for both higher education and the workforce. Ultimately, Alpha is more than just a school; it's a place where young men can find a sense of belonging, purpose, and hope.”


 


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