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About

About Us


ABYEA Program Directors

Antigua and Barbuda Youth Enlightenment Academy's directors, faculty and affiliates are committed to the education, enlightenment, and the overall well-being and development of all students in Antigua and Barguda. We belief that it is our national duty to assist in the elevation of the nation's future human resources. We subscribe to the African maxim: "It Takes A Village To Raise A Child." It's ABYEA's goal to restore that practice in our communities.


Executive Director

Mali Adelaja Olajunji is a Professional Photographer in a variety of specialties for more than forty years. He has worked as a Fine Arts Photographer at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), in New York City for over twenty (20) years. In addition to his certifications as a Photographer, Mali holds a Master of Arts Degree in Arts Education and Bachelor of Social Science Degree in Labor Relations. Between 1997 and 1999, he was the Current Affairs Officer (CAO), Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Public Information Division (ABS Radio and Television). During his tenure as CAO, Mali produced and directed: legal, cultural and social programs for television broadcast. He was also a radio and television talk-show host and a moderator. Currently, Mali has been working on the publication of his book of “Woodist Jumbie Aesthetics” photographs, which will be published by Hansib Publications Limited, London.


Education and Development Director

Samantha Merchant is a graduate of the Antigua Girls' High School and the Antigua State College. She became fascinated with the behaviours of human beings, and decided to further her studies in Education and Psychology. After receiving her training in Florida, she worked as a Special Needs tutor and Drug Rehabilitation Counselor. Samantha is also the Producer of the educational TV program, Auntie Pearl's After School Lessons, which is aimed to revolutionize learning. Samantha has the natural gift of singing and writing, and she is also a certified Massage Therapist. She has a passion for young people, for science and the arts; and is convinced that her calling is to inspire others.


Sports and Physical Education Director

Austin Maxwell Thomas


Technical Director - Chairman

Lawrence A. Jardine is the founder of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Enlightenment Academy. He is also a Software Developer and, the founder and CEO of Data Management Solutions Ltd., which is the leading payroll software solutions provider in Antigua and Barbuda. Lawrence is a graduate of the Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology, Ontario Canada, where he studied electronics and developed his love for computer programming. He has worked for two parent companies, the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Voice of Germany, for over twenty (20) years. He has also been the national champion in two (2) disciplines: Pocket Billiards and Dominoes. In 2006, he won the National Independence Short Story Competition. Lawrence is a Professional Billiard Instructors Association (PBIA located in the USA) Certified Pocket Billiards Instructor.