Award Newsletter Sep 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

THE MARIA HOLDER MEMORIAL TRUST HAPPY TO SUPPORT THE AWARD

#AWARDATHOME

Kyrique and Lawren complete Award despite pandemic.

www.theawardbarbados.com

SHONEÉ HOWELL Shares her Award Experience.

DEAF AND AT RISK YOUTH ENTERING THE AWARD FAMILY

L-R Standing: Roseanne Grace (Probation Department) Peter Symmonds (The Maria Holder Memorial Trust), Ché Greenidge and Sky Greenidge (The Deaf Heart Project). Seated: Christopher Holder (The Maria Holder Memorial Trust and Stephen Smith (The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Barbados)

Described as a very important partnership, The Maria Holder Memorial Trust is now an official supporter for the Award in reaching deaf teens and at risk youth. On September 21st Christopher Holder, Co-founder of the Trust, sat with Award Chairman, Stephen Smith and signed the donor agreement. The funding will bring to life, ‘A Step to the Future’ a project designed to deliver the Award to deaf teens, youth clients of the Probation Department and persons in the Barbados Youth Advance Corps.

This is a pioneering experience for the Award as it will be recruiting deaf participants for the first time. The Deaf Heart Project, a charity set up by Ché Greenidge, Miss Barbados World 2019 to help improve the lives of deaf Barbadians is a major partner.

Through The Deaf Heart, the Award is making a connection to this special group in the community.

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They will help to recruit up to twenty deaf persons to eventually become Bronze Award holders. Representatives from the Trust commented that this is just the second project that they have been able to support for deaf people and is very important for them.

Christopher Holder, himself is a Silver Award holder and is very keen to see young Barbadians become equipped for the future by taking part in the Award.

“I am delighted to be signing this agreement today which will enable marginalised and at risk youth in Barbados the opportunity to take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Bronze award. I remember well rising to the challenge and it’s right that the opportunity should be open to all. I look forward to following their progress along this path”.

#DUKERS246 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Speaking directly to Ché, the Award’s Chairman commented, “These are young people who not only would normally find themselves able to join the Award. It is particularly important for your group to be joining the Award."

The other component of the project focuses on another vulnerable group in society. Twenty youth clients of the Probation Department and two hundred participants in the BYAC are going to be enrolled in the programme. The Award has been actively developing a

"It is not just a financial issue of some young people not being able to do the Award. But anytime someone has a physical or even a

relationship with the Probation Department over the last year.

With the funding that is now available the

mental disability, they find themselves at odds in the general community, almost ostracized or timid about joining organisations. So I think

partnership will become even more effective.

On hand for the signing of the agreement was Mrs. Roseanne Grace of the Department. She

this really checks all the right boxes to get your group on board doing the Award. This is

will be the lead contact with the Award on this project.

important for their development as young people; so we are very pleased to be a part of it. We want to thank The Maria Holder Memorial Trust for making this possible and thanks to anyone who has played any role in making this a reality”

Through the project the youth will be exposed to training in communication and conflict resolution. They will also be tasked with developing their entrepreneurial skills all while building their self-confidence.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be new protocols in effect during Adventurous Journeys: Temperature checks before admittance to camp No sharing of vehicles Physical distancing Wearing of face masks Sanitizing sites and bathrooms No inter-mixing of hiking groups Individual sleeping accommodation No sharing of personal items.

For a full list of the protocols go to www.theawardbarbados.com/covid-19 Page 3

#DUKERS246 | SEPTEMBER 2020

UNCTAD15 – VOLUNTEER TO SERVE THE WORLD

Got some time to spare? Are you interested in International Affairs? How about just being a proud Bajan ready to showcase our culture? The UNCTAD15 team is looking for people who have a bit of time and are willing to show up and deliver.

There is an open invitation to youth who are 18 – 30 years old to join the volunteer corps for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 15).

Volunteers are going to be on the go from April 21st to May 1st 2021.

Those identified as volunteers will start training November 2020. The training programme will include etiquette, protocol, United Nations system and conference procedures. This will give successful applicants great work experience and cultural exposure. If you make the final cut you are on your way to a whole lot of fun.

Interested? Hurry up the deadline to apply is Saturday 24 October, 2020.

Go to https://www.unctad15.bb/volunteers to send in your application.

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#DUKERS246 | SEPTEMBER 2020

#AWARDATHOME - KYRIQUE DISCOVERS A NEW TALENT

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many activities were postponed or cancelled.

Despite the restrictions, participants continued their activities while stuck at home. Two such persons were participants, Kyrique Alleyne and Lawren Fontenelle.

Silver participant, Kyrique assisted one of his neighbours and a friend this past summer.

"The service I did was helping her collect bottles on the weekends. This started from May. Along with that I helped one of my friends for the Junior Soca Monarch that took place on August 8th, 2020 as a backup dancer, which I can now add to my list of talents."

Kyrique Alleyne completed his Service by assisting a neighbour and a friend over the summer.

GIVE BACK PROGRAMME

Participants who are students of Erdiston Teachers Training College, Barbados Community College and The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus (UWI) are reminded that your Service hours can also be added towards the hours you require for The Give Back Programme.

For more information on the Give Back Programme, visit www.givebackbarbados.com or scan the QR code.

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#DUKERS246 | SEPTEMBER 2020

#AWARDATHOME - LAWREN COMPLETES BRONZE AWARD

While at home, Bronze participant, Lawren completed the last section for his award. Since gyms were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, like many around the globe, Lawren brought the gym to his home.

"During the day I would sit in front of the computer for classes for around 6 hours every day, would attend church for another hour and a half and sleep for 8 hours every night. I decided to take up exercising at home to keep my body mobile and fit."

Lawren explained that he had some challenges along the way but with discipline and encouragement from family members he was able to overcome these obstacles.

"Exercising at home was different from going to the gym. I was forced to implement more discipline in my life. My family members encouraged me and assisted with helping me plan the day thoroughly."

"My solution was setting alarms for the start and end of the exercising period and alerting the other members of the household that I would do nothing but exercise during this period of time."

Although he has completed all the hours for the Bronze Award, Lawren has continued at home workouts "My current goal is to do 50 push ups in one exercise session."

When asked about how he felt now that he has completed the Bronze Award and his plans for the future, Lawren says, "I feel ready for a new chapter and will continue to do my best to complete the Silver Award to the best of my ability."

AWARD TRIVIA

DID YOU KNOW?

The Award has been in Barbados for more than 50 years. It was started in 1963 by Deighton Maynard.

Lawren Fontenelle started at home workouts and was able to complete his Bronze Award despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

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#DUKERS246 | SEPTEMBER 2020

#DUKERS246 |SEPTEMBER 2020

THE PEOPLE...THE PASSION Short interviews with participants, leaders and assessors sharing what it means to be #dukers246.

SHONEÉ HOWELL

When did you join the Panel?

2010s What Award(s) have you completed ?

Bronze, Silver and Gold What is your personal motto?

Always try to be better than you were yesterday.

Shoneé Howell - Gold Award holder and AJ Assessor

What is your favourite local location?

My favorite local location is actually underwater (Carlisle Bay Marine Park).

Shipwrecks, turtles, crystal blue waters, what’s not to love?

What skills/talents do you have that most people do not know about?

I’m a master on a grill.

No day is complete without...

Food Share a fond memory as your time as a Participant.

A surprisingly fond memory of my time of a participant is from CASC in Barbados (2013). Although persons may say being trapped in The Whim gully in shoulder- high water during a Tropical Storm may not constitute a fond memory, it is for me. It reminds me of how unpredictable and exciting each hiking experience can be.

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What is the last TV show you watched?

The last TV show I watched was Strong on Netflix (I love shows revolving around physical challenges).

What achievement are you most proud of? (not Award related) The achievement I’m most proud of is completing my internship at the Discovery Bay Marine Lab in Jamaica. It took a great deal of mental fortitude to stay in a remote location in a foreign country, living and working outside of school.

What route/areas do you get excited to see when checking route cards?

Any route that crosses the East Coast of Barbados. The ocean spray, rustic nature of the buildings and unique coastal features are a favorite for me.

What tips and tricks can you share with Participants?

A mantra echoed by a fellow AJ Assessor “less clothes, more food”.

Do you want to share your story? or Do you want to hear someone else's story?

Submit your name or the person you want to nominate to the Duke office.

#DUKERS246 | SEPTEMBER 2020

PARTICIPANTS HIT THE BEACH FOR A CLEAN SWEEP

Participants Safiyya Harte, Jonielle Alleyne and Jonathan Gooding at one of the recent beach clean ups.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Barbados has joined with the Caribbean Youth

the items collected, Jonielle revealed that while at Skeete’s Bay they recovered 267 pieces of

Environment Network (CYEN) Barbados in their annual Beach Clean Up initiative across the island.

Barbadian ‘Dukers’ Jonathan Gooding, Safiyya Harte and Jonielle Alleyne attending the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus (U.W.I), volunteered to take part in

plastic and over 190 bottle caps. Safiyya then chimed in to say that they found 218 bottle caps at Long beach and the strangest thing they recovered was a syringe.

Participants from the Open Group, Harrison College, Graydon Sealy Secondary School, The Girl Guides Association of Barbados, Christ

this activity to complete hours, as part of the Government of Barbados’ Give Back Programme.

They spoke to Operations Manager, Carla Alleyne about the work that they have been doing.

Jonathan highlighted the importance of activities such as beach clean ups by stating that a lot of plastic can be found on our beaches and ‘plastic takes very long to degrade’. For her point of view Safiyya, expressed feelings of surprise saying that the number of shoes and baskets she came across was shocking.

Some of the other main items collected were: bottle caps, pieces of rope and other

Church Foundation School and U.W.I Cave Hill also took part in this activity as a way to fill out the Voluntary Service section of their Award.

materials used for fishing. In their summary of

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#DUKERS246 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Three beach clean ups have taken place so far and three more remain, each running from 6AM to 10AM. These are: Saturday October 10th at Morgan Lewis, St. Andrew, Saturday October 17th at Heywoods, St. Peter and Saturday October 24th at Batts Rock, St. Michael.

Scenes from the September beach clean ups at Long Beach, Christ Church and Skeete's Bay, St. Philip.

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Award participants attending Erdiston Teachers Training College, Barbados Community College and The University of the West Indies are encouraged to come and be part of these clean ups as a fun way to contribute hours to the Give Back Programme.

Sign up for the Upcoming Beach Clean Ups hosted by the Caribbean Youth Environment Network, Barbados Chapter (CYEN) here.

#DUKERS246 | SEPTEMBER 2020

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY 2020

We asked and you delivered. This September participants and volunteers generously donated new and gently used books to the Book Drive. The books were then donated to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment. The drive was one of several events done as part of the fifty days of youth activism organised by the division of youth.

#dukers246

I S SDay U E is#celebrated 2 International Literacy on September 8. The theme for this year was “Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond”.

One of the many participants who donated books and some of the books donated by participants and volunteers.

TEK A HIKE

ACTIVITY Find the words below in the puzzle on the right.

COMPASS FIRE HAT MAP MATCHES

NORTH ROPE SHOES SUNSCREEN WATER

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#DUKERS246 | SEPTEMBER 2020

UPCOMING EVENTS Follow The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Barbados Instagram and Facebook pages for updates on upcoming events.

October Sat 10 - CYEN Beach Clean Up Morgan Lewis Sat 17 - CYEN Beach Clean Up Heywoods Sat 24 - CYEN Beach Clean Up Batts Rock Sunday 25 - Bring ah fren and Come Hike Three Houses Park

November Saturday 21 - Annual General Meeting

December Friday 4 - Holiday Card Winner Announcement

SHARE YOUR

TALENT

Do you have a talent or hobby you want to share? Do you like writing poems or short stories or enjoy taking pictures?

Submit your name and your piece to the Duke office. Your piece may be featured in the next edition.

Sheraton Mall Sargeants Village Christ Church Tel: 436-8754 Fax: 436- 1630

deiabarbados@gmail.com www.theawardbarbados.com

@dofebarbados /deabarbadosaward