About Us
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.