OHFA awardee Durwin Brown doing big things at school, church and Spring Village community

Indeed, doors have been opening for the teenager, so dedicated to his craft. One such opportunity has come from the Old Harbour and Friends Association (OHFA), the most influential diaspora group from southwest St Catherine based in the United States. At its annual fundraiser and awards function in May of this year, Brown was bestowed with the OHFA Memorial Award for his resilience and dedication to service amid his own struggles. 

“His story is a powerful reminder that greatness often rises from adversity; and with faith, love and determination, any obstacle can be transformed into opportunity,” OHFA stated in its programme notes featuring Brown, who was not present for the New York event but was duly honoured later in the summer during the charity’s yearly health fair in Old Harbour.    

“The entire experience at the Old Harour and Friends Association (OHFA) education and health fair was one that I will never forget,” said the young achiever. “It was a good feeling, very refreshing, fun, invigorating and interactive…all the pep talk they gave and the medical. The scholarship impacted me positively and it helped me to get my school supply for the next school year. The members of OHFA were very kind and loving. I felt accepted like I am a part of one big happy family.”

Brown was deeply touched by being selected for a scholarship and a special memorial award at the OHFA’s recent outreach event held at the Old Harbour Primary School.

“I really appreciated the plaque that I was given for the memorial award. It showed me that all the hard work that I have been doing really pays off,” he shared.

The teenager, who once started a small business called Sweet Tooth Incorporated, hopes to re-launch it when finances and time allow. For now, his focus remains on excelling academically while continuing to serve his community and his church.

Durwin’s mother, Rosemarie Vassell, works as an assistant teacher at Spring Garden Primary, supporting one of the Grade Six teachers. Though employed, she admits that providing for her son’s education has been a struggle.

“There are times when it’s hard and I can’t even find a money to send him to school because, both myself and his father work minimum wage but God always come through for me,” said Vassell. 

Despite financial challenges, she continues to encourage her son to push forward. Durwin credits his mother’s unwavering support as one of his greatest motivations. “My mother tells me everyday that she loves me and that she is very proud of me and she knows that I will continue to succeed in life,” said Brown as he reflects on his mother’s love towards him. 

With his father now back in his life, the family’s faith has grown even stronger. Vassell beams with pride at her son’s devotion to church life. “We are full-fledged members of our church and he continues to play a vital role in church. I feel so good that my son is taking this path to serve God in these trying times,” she said. 

The recognition of Brown’s accomplishments through the OHFA award has been a point of joy not only for him but also for his family. “When I was approached by the principal at Spring Garden Primary to give her Durwin’s accomplishment for his OHFA award, I was not hesitant because I was so happy to know that his hard work in the community will be recognized both in Jamaica and overseas. Even on the day of the event, I was feeling so joyful, everybody was like ‘congratulations’ and pouring out so much love. I felt so good to be his mother, especially when I heard that he got the top award and that his name will be placed on a big trophy in America for everyone to see when they go there, words can’t explain the immense gratitude,” said Vassell. 

Brown’s achievements are evident as he continues to receive numerous trophies, badges, and medals, consistently ranked among the top in his class at St. Jago High. In third form, he achieved an average of 90% and was awarded Top Boy for his grade level. His leadership roles include serving as secretary of the newly formed 4H club which he assisted to establish along with his home economics teacher, a student council representative, and leading school devotion through exhortations, singing, and scripture reading.

Additionally, in Spring Village, Brown is the youngest volunteer at the Spring Village Development Foundation under the leadership of Mr Randy Finnikin, where he teaches in the after-school programme which is held every Monday to Thursdays. He also serves as secretary of the Spring Village Youth Club, helping to implement programmes to engage and uplift local youth.

“Giving back is one of the best ways I can show appreciation for the blessings I have in my own life. Serving is part of who I am, and it’s something I hope to continue wherever I go,” said Brown. 

At church, he holds multiple positions, including secretary of the Sabbath School at the New Hope Seventh-Day Christian Church, vice president of the Christian Youth Missionary Society (CYMS), and technical team assistant. He is also being trained as a junior minister, sometimes called upon to lead, an opportunity that is shaping his leadership skills and deepening his commitment to service.

“I put so much effort into service because it really means a lot to me,” he said, reflecting on what drives him. “When I serve at school, church, or in my community, I feel like I’m not just helping others but also growing as a person. It teaches me to be patient, humble, and appreciative. I believe small acts can make a big difference. Sometimes it’s just giving a hand where possible, listening to others, or showing up when someone needs support, and those little things can brighten someone’s day. For me, service isn’t about recognition, it’s about knowing that I’ve done something meaningful.”

With a dream of becoming a doctor or a teacher, Durwin Brown is already proving that with determination, service, and faith, even a 14-year-old can leave a big mark on school, church, and community. 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” he says with quiet conviction.