I HAD a fantastic few days at Iwokrama in 2020. Hiking up Turtle Mountain to the Canopy Walkway made it to my amazing adventure list.
Regardless of age, race or culture, humans find nature pleasing and many people don’t realise the positive impact that nature has on our lives.
Nature heals! Nature soothes! Nature restores! Nature connects! I developed an appreciation for such an environment growing up in Bartica. Vacationing during August in Wineperu or Bara Bara where my grandfather worked has some of the best memories from my childhood. Navigating the jungle, climbing trees and relaxing in the creeks for hours and eating a variety of wild meats. Memories to last a lifetime!

One of the highlights of my first trip was interacting with the young people in Fairview Village. I made a promise to return later in the year, but because of the pandemic that was not possible in 2020. When I left in 2020 I knew I needed to contribute in some way to that community. Every time I had flashes of the faces of those beautiful young girls the conviction became stronger. I shared that with my friend Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar who was excited to hear that.

We decided to invite the young ladies to join the Confidence Becomes You Virtual Programme. This was in collaboration with Iwokrama, who facilitated the young ladies at the field office for the zoom sessions. The feedback was extremely positive and I could not wait to meet them again to interact in person. This was not another session on confidence, but we had Afternoon Tea and Storytelling.

The young ladies were inspired by the stories from the 365 Invaluable Life Experiences and Women Across Borders.
We had dinner prepared by master chef Collin Brown and the young were very appreciative of the etiquette tips shared during our dinner. This was a small group that did the online programme but we needed to also meet with others and amplify on the areas of discussion, including the menstrual cycle and teenage pregnancy facilitated by Leandre Stellingburg, who is a Medex at Iwokrama. Dr Raquel Thomas also did a presentation on behalf of the Citizen against rape group. The young men also had sessions independently and collectively with the females. Some of the topics facilitated by Sergeant Michael Jobes were domestic abuse; age of consent; trafficking in persons, etc. The discussions were very informative and new to some of the participants. The participants were placed into small groups where they felt more comfortable addressing questions and more intimate discussions. I shared some personal stories about growing up in a small village and navigating my way through life when the water got rough. I was a small-town girl but did not let that deter me from achieving extraordinary things and if I can do so, so can all of them. Resma Persaud, Jonathan Jaipaul, Ranger Richie Richardson, Qaudo Vancooten and Michael De Mendoca also interacted with this amazing group of young men and women.

“These sessions were good and we learnt new things and we need more like these,” one young man remarked.
One of the young ladies asked me if I can stay a month and another asked if I can stay a year. I got very emotional because I couldn’t, but I did reassure them of my commitment to their development and we have the technology to assist. The moment that pulled even more on my heartstrings was just before breakfast on the last day of my trip. I was washing my hands and I heard “When are you coming back?” I turned around and saw the friendly faces of two of the female staff who are parents. We started chatting and they shared how much the young ladies need me and they also, because they were so inspired by the things I am doing. In last week’s column, I mentioned why our ‘Dash’ is important and moments such as these are reminders. Theodore Roosevelt said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
I admire how Raquel cares for people and that is one of the reasons we connected.

“Our youth are our future and we all have to invest our time in them. Leaders, parents, citizens – we must educate, protect and support them. I implore parents to support their teen moms and elders not to victim blame as many are so young and vulnerable. Open the conversation on relationships and confidence with boys too; let us help our youth make healthy choices for their future and with respect for each other. Let us provide them with the knowledge to become resilient adults,” said Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar.

We owe it to our future leaders to give them a fighting chance. Frederick Douglass said that “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” And it’s true. You cannot give a child back their childhood. It is far more effective, cost-effective, and fruitful to do everything in our power to give all children the kind of start and the kind of future they deserve.

I made a commitment years ago and that is why I push so hard many times, even without knowing where the resources will come from, because I also know because of my faith that what seems impossible can be possible. Some of the things I do are featured in the public with the hope to inspire others that they can, but I chose not to highlight many.
I pledge to do this until my expiry date and you can hold me to that as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called Life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.