WE have good and great times, but my weekend in my hometown exceeded that. This is the first trip to Bartica since my foster dad Allan John’s funeral. I know the year is young, but this is one of the best weekends I have had. Creating invaluable memories with family and friends contributed to every precious second. We are a close-knit family and always shared love which built a strong foundation. My cousin Shenella’s cooking is second to none and maybe it is a good thing I don’t live there anymore, because I would be twice the size I have, lol. It is impossible to go home and not go to the river, especially early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise then have breakfast at the beach. I saw one of my school friends Shelly from primary school, and we had a lot to talk about. Nurlene Jones and I were in the same class at high school, but we had not seen each other since then and we both were happy when we met on Saturday. One of the highlights of my trip will certainly be dining with my high school buddy Chris and his family at Sunset Boulevard, which is a beautiful restaurant owned by my friend Tani. I will amplify more on that next week, because I need to get to the main reason for going home. Pastor Ivor Melville had invited me to the launch of the “Women’s Empowerment and skills training Project,” sponsored by IOM and UNAIDS, but I had other commitments and promised that I would attend the graduation.

That was another reason the weekend was exceptional. I was invited to give the key address, which was an honour.The eight-week project, which focused on providing empowerment sessions in small-business management and cosmetology, was implemented in Bartica for women and girls.

I was pleasantly surprised to see almost half of the class is Spanish-speaking. A large number of Venezuelans are in Region Seven, and I think it is a good thing that the young ladies are trying to get themselves together for business and work. We can learn from each other, and another language is an asset. This quote by Natalie Portman came to mind as I observed the young ladies interacting: “Our generation has the ability and responsibility to make our ever-connecting world a more hopeful, stable and peaceful place.”

Former Regional Chairman and Consultant for this project said It was indeed a pleasure sharing and interacting with the participants. “The Venezuelan participants were able to benefit from the services of interpreters, hence they too were able to learn as well as share in the classes; feedback was very encouraging from both sets of participants.

Some of the topics covered include:
How to start a business
How to introduce yourself professionally
How to make a professional phone call
How to present yourself for an interview
How to write an application.

The project was deemed a success by the many participants. The 40 women who were trained are filled with enthusiasm and eager to start their self-development. Jo Anna Mc Kenzie is a young businesswoman in Bartica and one of the facilitators for this project.

“I enjoyed the entire programme as a trainer and student because I made myself available to attend some of the other classes due to my passion for learning. I was privileged to have a great group of participants that [sic] came with the intention to learn at my classes made it easier for me to flow smoothly with them and they were all excited and willing to get their tasks done. Their interest had encouraged me to expand my teaching ability to the very best of my ability and experience.”

Many are looking forward to starting their own small businesses, like Jo Anna seek employment, or pursue advanced studies.

“The project has brought the women and girls to a new horizon and has created an impact in Bartica for many other young women, who are now asking about additional training.

The very motivational keynote address delivered by Dr Sonia Noel, who, being a Bartican, has exhorted an influence on the minds of those who attended the certification ceremony. It has created a paradigm shift for many who see her as a positive role model for women and girls who are seeking to attain the self-confidence and to become the best version of themselves.”

Hope Foundation is an agency based in Bartica with reach throughout Region Seven, (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).  This agency focuses on providing quality community-based health, social and youth-friendly issues, skills training.

Has done extensive work in providing educational programmes, skills training, HIV counselling and testing, and other services to a wide target audience, including miners, loggers, women and Vulnerable Populations in Bartica and hinterland communities of Region Seven.

‘IOM, together with our UN counterparts, seeks to establish partnerships to support initiatives for women’s empowerment and development. This initiative presented opportunities for vulnerable women to receive basic skills, and coaching to become entrepreneurs.

We would like to emphasize that there are no limits to what women can do. Their accomplishments must be celebrated, whether in the family, workplace, or society,”said IOM National Project Manager Shayla Fields, who was in attendance. Mr Kenneth Williams and former Regional Vice-Chairman Olinda Griffith were also at the graduation ceremony.

I must comment that the Hope Foundation, under the leadership of pastor Ivor Melville and the donor agencies for this and other meaningful initiatives that add to our human resource in my hometown. I am looking forward to going back soon to collaborate with the Hope Foundation, to add much-needed value to the young ladies in Region Seven.

Let’s all look at the various communities and identify how we can contribute positively as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey BEYOND THE RUNWAY.