Soroptimist International SVG hosted Girls on Fire 2022 on Monday 25th July, 2022 for five daysunder the theme – “My Voice, Our Equal Future”. This program was organised by the
Programme Action (PAC) committee under the chairmanship of Sis. Shannon Durrant – Samuel.
On Day One the opening ceremony began with a prayer by Sis Cecile MacMaster, Remarks from President Donnette O’Neil and Guest Speaker Mrs. Janeil Henry – Rose, Secretary General
UNESCO encouraged the ladies to find their voice and be motivated to be leaders. The schedule of speakers included Miss Gloria Williams on the Executive of Toastmasters who engaged the ladies with a vibrant and interactive public speaking session followed by Mrs. Raedawn Howard,
Wellness Advocate and Yoga instructor who conducted a session on Confidence Building.
Day Two the young ladies had an adventurous tour of the Akers farm owned and operated by Mr. Dennis Ambrose. They saw a historical Great House, farm animals and picturesque scenic views of the island. Later that day there was an interactive discussion led by PAC chairman Sis.
Shannon Durrant – Samuel on Healthy Eating followed by Mrs Raedawn Howard, engaged the young ladies on the topic of mindfulness and also incorporated an invigorating session of standing yoga and positive affirmations.
By Day Three the ladies were bonding and letting their voices be heard in their session with
Mrs. Tyshana Thomas – Nichols from the Sustainable Development Unit on Climate Change and
the Importance of Recycling. The rest of the day was spent on the beautification project at the
National Public Library planting flowers, painting used tires to accent the plants and our existing
Soroptimist picnic bench. The ladies were excited with their work at the end of the day.
As the week progressed, Day Four had interesting topics of Healthy Relationships presented by
Ms.Degra Michael of National Reconciliation unit at the Ministry of Education, The Law and
Domestic Abuse by Ms. Moreeze Franklyn a Barrister, President of the Broad St. Vincent
Planned Parenthood and Social Affairs Development Specialist Ms.Makini Barrow. Later in the
day the ladies were taught Bachata dance by Mr. Cuthbert Tucker from Latin Fusion 784 Dance
Group.
Girls on Fire 2022 culminated with a Public Speaking session led by Ms. Jacqui English – Jacobs
from Toastmasters with an informative debate and impromptu presentations from the young
ladies. A Mental Health and Self Confidence Boost presentation from Ms.Ellica Matthews,
Counsellor at Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre brought our programme session to an end.
The sixteen young ladies received certificates and prizes at the end of this exciting week of
activities.
Through these activities the young ladies were able to build their confidence, communication
skills and we are hopeful that as Soroptimists women we were able to plant seeds in these young
ladies as they grow and blossom into empowered women.
Soroptimist International SVG would like to thank the parents of all participants, all presenters,
our members and supporters who made Girls on Fire 2022 a successful programme.