Award Newsletter Jan 2021

DECEMBER 2020

#AWARDATHOME

Faith makes history.

MORE VOLUNTEERS EQUIPPED

Volunteers receive training in First Aid.

VASCO LYNCH www.theawardbarbados.com

Volunteer of the Year.

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

M O S T

O U T S T A N D I N G

V O L U N T E E R

The award for the Most Outstanding Volunteer for the Year 2020 was presented to Vasco Lynch on November 21, 2020, at The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Barbados’ Annual General Meeting. After the meeting concluded, Mr. Lynch was kind enough to answer a few questions and this is what he had to say: I joined the Award at 14 years old, while I was going to school at Harrison College. I’ve gone through both Bronze and Silver training, but unfortunately, I was only able to attain my Bronze award because time restrictions associated with my studying overseas prevented me from going further. However, when I came back, a couple of my friends were involved and they told me, ‘If you have some free time, come join us’ and that’s how I got back into volunteering for the Award.

O F

T H E

When asked what skills were necessary to be a useful volunteer with the Award, he explained that interpersonal skills and proper time management skills were mandatory. A basic level of interpersonal skills is required because as a volunteer, you must interact with not only participants but their parents and other Award volunteers. Time management is key because there is a large time commitment when I have to either facilitate my open group on Saturdays or go out on Adventurous Journeys for either my group or to assess other groups.

Mr. Lynch also expressed that volunteering isn’t as straight forward as one would like to believe.

One of the things that has surprised him most is the persons that you get to meet whilst volunteering. “I have travelled to The Bahamas and St. Lucia as part of Barbados’ staff representatives for the annual CASC event

Pictured above: Vasco Lynch receiving his award from Carla Alleyne, Operations Manager of DEIA Barbados Page 2

Y E A R

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

“The Award gives young people a chance to grow into themselves." and just the different kind of personalities and the various jobs that you can find within the Award within different countries have greatly surprised me. I also find it very fun to interact with these people.”

Additionally, he stated that his most memorable moment in the Award so far was his first time at CASC. As I said, when I was in the Award as a participant, I had only managed to complete my Bronze award, but I never finished Silver. So, on my first trip to CASC as a volunteer I very much enjoyed actually seeing the interaction between Barbados’ contingent and the other contingents from around the region.

The Trinidadian contingent especially has a close tie with the Barbados contingent, so it was really great for me to see and actually interact with them.

When asked if he meant that it was great in seeing the similarities in language and culture, he explained that the ‘greatness’ came from the people. “You could boil it down to culture but the things you would hear the participants talk about, the stories the Award leaders and the trainee leaders would share overall creates a good time.

Hearing about previous CASC’s and how they had fun and overcame any tricky situations they encountered is generally a great experience”.

However, while the Award is fun-filled, and encompassed by great experiences, Mr. Lynch revealed that volunteering with the Award can also be challenging at times.

Page 3

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

He reiterated that the time commitment is a big factor and trying to find time not only to designate to the Award, but “to do my 9-5 job while also teaching Math lessons and trying to get enough sleep” is very testing.

After this, the resilient young man gave the reassurance that he was not deterred. He then disclosed that one thing he found distinct about persons volunteering with the Award was “a genuine like to interact and help facilitate the growth of young teenagers and young adults within Barbados”. For him, “it is very reassuring that these individuals take time out of their day to help young people grow up as not only individuals but also mentally, academically and help encourage them in their talents. I know one individual who was a participant who went to CASC with me who is now pursuing an active music career and I know he would have gotten relevant connections and encouragement and confidence to do this through the Award”.

Page 4

As the Covid-19 pandemic has halted or cancelled the operations of many institutions across the world, we are all wondering how it has affected the operations of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Barbados.

Mr. Lynch gave us a view into this reality stating that “with the introduction of Covid-19, a lot of our activities have kind of decreased and our face-to-face interactions with the participants have also decreased”.

He then explained that he felt the effects of the pandemic the most as it pertained to a particular group that he had recently started working with shortly before the pandemic took effect in Barbados. However, “I’ve been trying to keep up with them via text messaging in our group chat and calling ever so often to see how they’re doing and to see how they are keeping up-to-date with their Award activities and seeing what they’re doing in terms of education because all of them would have graduated from secondary school recently and they are now pursuing degrees at tertiary education institutions”.

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

Finally, Mr. Lynch stated that he does enjoy volunteering. What he likes most about the Award is that “the Award gives young people a chance to grow into themselves.

The Award definitely facilitates young people finding out what they are good at, what they can improve on and through talking to either older members in the Award or to their peers, they can understand what they want to do in life and I love that about the Award”.

“...my friends Shoneé Howell, Chad Larrier, Jeremy Devonish and Ajani Daniel are very encouraging when it comes to me being passionate about Duke and I would be remiss to not mention Camille Jones as well. These five individuals have helped me to enjoy Duke to my fullest extent while simultaneously bringing a smile to my face.”

After his expression of love, he offered this advice: “To any potential new volunteers within the Award, I would say get in your steps on a daily basis because being unfit and volunteering for an organization whose main activity is hiking is a bit contradictory. We also have fundraising activities and beach clean ups and both of these cause for an exertion of enormous amounts of energy, so being active is a necessity”.

The Award teaches team work and collaborating with others is the only way to achieve success. When asked who are the people who assist him Vasco said,

“While I can’t think of anything right now, I’m really looking forward to The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Barbados' new facility that will provided by the Barbados Government so that we can not only house our office but also have activities so that we won’t always have to look for somewhere else to go. This will be a place for us to have our first aid training, tent pitching and fire lighting exercises, but this will also be somewhere where we can have actual weekend camps for our participants and that will be a great addition to the Award” said Vasco when asked for his thoughts on the future of the Award.

Page 5

Bring ah fren and Come Hike - A participant's perspective

By Akilah Jordan-Watson

On Sunday December 6, 2020, the annual Bring ah Fren Come Hike returned to its inaugural starting point, Three Houses Park. The sunny and warm afternoon was perfect for a hike.

Participants, volunteers and their friends and family from all across the island met at the popular St. Philip picnic spot for the 10th edition of the hike. Part of the proceeds from this edition was donated to the Social Work Student Association at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill.

The occasion presented a great opportunity for fellowship among participants and volunteers who had not seen each other for months due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was also an opportunity to meet new people and potential Award participants all while staying at a safe distance.

Page 6

Whenever we hike there is never a dull moment and there is always a story to be told after. This hike was no different. Soon after the hike commenced, volunteer Robert Bourne found himself in a pretty “sticky” situation when his truck got stuck in the middle of a muddy cart road in Blades Hill. (Yes I said vehicle…this was the support vehicle at least at first). Some hikers provided some assistance, resorting to the good old Bajan tradition of placing rocks under the tires of the truck and pushing the vehicle with everybody shouting out his or her own instructions.

Something worked, because the vehicle was eventually freed. Quite hilariously, Garfield Callender, like Robert’s truck, also got stuck in the soggy road and he had to be "rescued" too.

Some of us watched as the events unfolded, but from a distance. We were taking no chances.

#DUKERS246 | DECEMBER 2020

Scenes from the 10th edition of the Bring ah Fren Hike.

Dario Harewood and Roger Best found this quite amusing. In fact, they documented the event on video, from a distance also.

Meanwhile, participant Jonielle Alleyne and Secretary/Treasurer Fabian Norville had their own difficulties in the footwear department. By the end of the hike, Jonielle's shoes were a completely different colour than when she started the hike and Fabian was down a few more threads on his hiking boots. Fabian, who refuses to purchase a new pair of hiking boots, said he will continue to wear his boots until he is satisfied he has gotten "his money's worth".

Despite all the drama, I'd say the hike was quite enjoyable. Once back on track, the route took the group along a few neighbourhoods and

picturesque views. We traversed Fortescue, close to the border of St. John and St. Philip, Whitehaven and Bayfield. Once we had successfully made it to Skeete's Bay, the last checkpoint, of the evening, the group recuperated for a short period.

We sat on the ridge overlooking the famous Culpepper Island and enjoyed the fresh breezes coming off the Atlantic Ocean. Maybe I am a bit biased when I say it but, the eastern coast has the most picturesque views and freshest breezes on the island.

On returning to Three Houses Park, the group had a short “cool down� session in which some hikers appeared to still have sufficient energy for another hike while others were simply ready to head home for a long shower or nap.

Page 7

#DUKERS246 | DECEMBER 2020

Page 8

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

#AWARDATHOME - FAITH DANCES ONTO THE WORLD STAGE

In August 2020, Bronze participant Faith Williams proudly represented Barbados at the 2020 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) Competition where she won gold and silver awards. The WCOPA is an international talent competition for invited and qualified aspiring performers and entertainers to represent their country in the areas of dance, acting, vocal, instrumental and variety acts.

Faith started dancing from the age of 8 at Praise Academy of Dance and over the years has been under the tutelage of experienced instructors such as Terry Hall and Kelvin Carvalho. She performs ballet and modern but she enjoys contemporary modern the most.

“Contemporary modern is very versatile and incorporates many different styles of dances and dynamics which add to the performances.”

For the competition, Faith performed in a trio with her team members Jianna Fagon and

Cherisse Codrington. The three young ladies met when Faith joined the Academy and they have grown to be close friends. The trio performed a contemporary piece choreographed by Terry Hall to the song 'Reckless Love" by Cory Asbury. They were required to submit a 60-second video audition to the competition online.

Faith and her team had to make some adaptations as they could no longer meet together to practise their routine due to the restrictions caused by pandemic. “Yes, it has been pretty hard. It was difficult to have to practice a new group routine for a group dance separately and then coming together. It was also difficult to find the space to practise properly.” Faith explained. “We practised separately, came together for one rehearsal.

After the rehearsal, we filmed and submitted to the competition.”

Page 9

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

In addition to performing in the trio, Faith submitted a solo performance to the competition. “My personal performance was a tough one. It was mostly self-choreographed.

First, I had to choose a song. I wanted a song that was pretty relevant to the times so I chose ‘Running’ by Zoe Grace. Once I had chosen the song, I then tried to make the choreography powerful because the song is a very powerful song.”

“At first, I wasn't very confident with my solo performance. I prefer not to do solos because I feel like I stand out, but as I worked on the choreography I became more confident about the dance. I believe it turned out great.”

A silver lining that arose because of the virtual competition was that the participants had multiple chances to retry and re-film before submission; a luxury not possible in a live inperson performance where you only have oneshot. Faith has discovered that she now prefers the option of filming and submitting online over in-person performances. “Sometimes the nerves can get to me and I may fumble in a live performance so I prefer the filming and submitting option. However, I still have to learn to practise and prepare as if it were a live performance and to make it as perfect as I possibly can.”

The preparation of the solo performance took a few weeks and many hours of practice and Faith admits it was not easy. “I had to find ways to make it work while at home although I do not have much space. Some days, after my dad finished work he took me to the beach or to the gazebo on the boardwalk in Hastings, Christ Church so I could practise my routine.”

This was the first time that Barbados has been successful in reaching the semi-finals. Barbados did not only make it to the semi-finals but when the final results were announced, the trio won Gold and Faith won Silver for her solo.

“My family and friends were very supportive and they are all proud of my performance and that I even made it to the semi-finals. I am proud of myself too for making it to the semi-finals and then even placing at an international competition”.

Page 10

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

Despite the difficult circumstances, Faith did her best to make it work and she has learnt a few things along the way. “I learnt that you have to adapt to different situations and that sometimes you may be forced out of your comfort zone.� The Lower 6th form student of Harrison College also made other adjustments to balance her extra-curricular activities with academics.

She has used her free periods and lunch times at school and woke up earlier on mornings to get in some extra studying to ensure she stayed on top of her studies.

Although she does not know for certain the career she will pursue at the moment, she hopes to combine her Science studies with her love for dance.

Page 11

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

New Instructors on board with teaching

During the year 2020, the St. John’s Ambulance Association partnered with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DEIA) Barbados to provide a First Aid Trainer course. Three participants Roger Best, Shoneé Howell and Ajani Daniel were interviewed to give us a bit of insight into the course and why they wanted to become first aid instructors.

Each had their own motivation for becoming a first aid instructor. Roger explained that, “Being a first aid instructor is a natural progression in a lifelong learning exercise for me, as a Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gold award holder I have experienced many scenarios where a bit of first aid knowledge was able to change a bad experience into a slight mishap.”

Shoneé revealed that the most surprising part about the course for her was the focus on interpersonal interactions and the ability to pivot in conversations as opposed to performance of first aid procedures.

Pictured above: Charles Sealy demonstrating the appropiate way to make an arm sling with the help of Roger Best.

Page 12

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

Participants of the First Aid Trainer course practising the techniques they learned.

Ajani explained that while he was capable of learning all the information he was given, what he found most challenging was being able to recall all of the information easily.

However, he insisted that this would improve as he studied the material more, as well as developed course plans.

When asked ‘how has learning how to teach first aid procedures differed from learning how to apply first aid procedures?’, Roger gave a very clear answer. “Learning first aid is about you, it's personal, and an internal process. Teaching first aid on the other hand is about the student and being able to impart the knowledge you have to them, so they can understand it and be able to confidently use out in the field.

Through learning how to teach first aid procedures, both Ajani and Shoneé’s perception of first aid training have been altered.

Ajani posits that learning how to teach has emphasised the various learning styles of students when it comes to first aid procedures and how you have to adapt your teaching style to meet the needs of these students. While Shoneé explained that to her, it meant that she had to understand everything well enough that she was able to translate it into words and demonstrate it well enough for others to grasp the processes.

Shoneé continued by stating that learning how to teach first aid showed her that there is much more involved in first aid training beyond only knowing the procedures. It involves being able to relate to and properly communicate with persons from different backgrounds.

First Aid procedures have been around before the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since this course took place during the pandemic, Ajani explained that some first aid Page 13

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

procedures were adjusted in order to protect yourself from harm while administering first aid. In other circumstances, emphasis was placed on the use of personal, protective equipment such as mouth guards while administering first aid, and the use of masks, face guards and gloves when handling all casualties.

Ajani and Shoneé stated that becoming certified first aid instructors made them feel empowered. Shoneé then continued saying: “it also feels nerve-wracking. Having this certification means that persons would look to me, should they need guidance.”

When asked how this certification will be used outside of the Award, Roger explained that he is the current Safety Officer for his department at work, this job entails assisting with injured persons on the job as well as sourcing and acquiring first aid supplies, so this certification will go well with my current responsibilities.

Finally, both Shoneé and Ajani agreed that this is a useful certification to have as it can be beneficial in everyday life therefore, they have made up their minds to assist with training new participants and leaders in the procedures to deliver first aid when they can.

Another participant in the class Charles Sealy putting in some practice.

Page 14

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

YEAR IN REVIEW

In the year 2019, many persons across the world expressed their hopes and dreams for the year 2020 via the internet. However, the year that so many persons seemed to long for did not come.

While we were introduced to a pandemic that caused many of our activities to be cancelled or postponed, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DEIA) Barbados is full of innovative leaders and participants who saw, adapted and overcame. Now, here’s a look at our 2020.

The year started off with dukers Odessa David, Rujola Waterman, Taidan Lynch, Aaron Moore, Jean-Pierre Blackette, Daniel Thomas and Franchero Ellis receiving their Bronze Awards at a joint Founders Day service hosted by the Barbados Boy Scouts Association and The Girl Guides Association of Barbados.

Participants from the Parish Ambassadors Programme received their Bronze awards at the offices of the Community Independence Celebrations Secretariat.

On Errol Barrow Day, Vasco Lynch dominated the Gold Award Holders Association first Dominoes Tournament.

Page 15

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

Dukers headed to the Sharon Moravian Church to mark the start of the Duke Week.

For Dukers from the Scouts, Open Group, Queen’s College, Princess Margaret, Lodge School, Graydon Sealy and Harrison College, their St. Valentine’s weekend was not filled with movies and chocolate, instead, they spent it on a National Bronze hike which was a part of the Award’s We Gatherin’ activities.

Dukers did their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying in doors.

Page 16

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

Volunteers got trained as first aid instructors

Dukers gain knowledge and experience in Entrepeneurship thanks to Barbados Youth Business Trust (BYBT).

The Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) hosted a series of beach clean-ups and the DEIA Barbados partnered with them to assist with the cleaning up of the beaches.

Page 17

On the 21st of September, The Maria Holder Memorial Trust became an official supporter of the DEIA Barbados with the main goal of reaching deaf teens and at-risk youth.

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

Closer to the end of the year, the DEIA hosted their Annual General Meeting on November 21.

The final gathering of DEIA participants, leaders and friends for the year 2020was the ‘Bring Ah Fren and Come Hike hosted on December 6th.

Page 18

What a year it was in 2020.

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

A N N U A L

G E N E R A L

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DEIA) Barbados held its Annual General Meeting on November 21, 2020. The meeting recalled some of the events that the Award had taken part in over the past year, some of the upcoming events and how the Covid-19 pandemic impacted The Award’s expected growth for the year 2020.

The Chairman, Stephen Smith shared that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has also been felt in secondary schools where face-toface Award activities have been halted. This led some leaders to reach out to their participants via the internet and encourage them to complete their activities at home and in some other instances, hosted regular group meetings online.

However, Mr. Smith also stated that even during the pandemic, avenues for growth remain. He added to this statement by explaining the Award has not only suffered

M E E T I N G

difficulties over the last year. The Award received a $10,000.00 grant from the Aspire Foundation that will be used specifically for the promotion of the Award. Additionally, The Legacy Foundation, the charity support arm of the Barbados Public Workers Co-operative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL) agreed to provide $17, 000.00 to the DEIA Barbados to advance first aid certification among participants by training Award staff and Volunteers as first aid instructors.

Over the last year the DEIA Barbados was certified by the Aspire Foundation and is currently working to be recognized through accreditation by the Probation Department.

All of these show that even during the pandemic, the DEIA Barbados remained focused on achieving its goals. However, some challenges have no immediate solution, and this became apparent when the decision was made to cancel the annual Caribbean Award Page 19

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

Fabian Norville, Secretary/Treasurer of DEIA BArbados

Sub-regional Council (CASC) camp in Jamaica.

Major David Clarke retired from the post of Americas Regional Director, but will stay on globally as Honourary Advisor and here in Barbados, he will serve with the Trustees.

The Most Outstanding Volunteer, Mr. Vasco Lynch was announced. He received this award for hard work with his Award unit over the last year and his dedication to the Expedition Panel in making sure that every meeting he attended ran smoothly.

Page 20

Stephen Smith, Chairman of the National Award Council

The meeting drew to a close with voting for members to the National Award Council.

Elizabeth Riley filled in the gap left when Chad Larrier stepped down. She will join the other executive members: Stephen Smith (Chairman), Jamar Odwin (Deputy Chairman), Jeremy Devonish and Ajani Daniel. They will also be joined by representatives from the Barbados Gold Award Holders Association, Expedition and Assessment Panel, Barbados Cadet Corps, The Girl Guides Association of Barbados and Barbados Boy Scouts Association to make up the Award Council.

#DUKERS246 |DECEMBER 2020

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.

ACTIVITY Can you solve these brain teasers?

1. A sundial has the fewest moving parts of any timepiece. Which has the most?

2. During which month do people sleep the least?

3. What do an island and the letter “t” have in common?

4. A man hiked through the woods with his dog and saw three cows, six sheep, seven goats, and nine pigs and thirteen horses. How many total feet were there?

5. Which tire doesn’t move when a car turns right?

Answers: 1. An hourglass—It has thousands of grains of sand.

2. February (there are usually fewer nights in February).

3. They are both in the middle of water.

4. Two. The man has two feet. The rest of the animals have hooves.

5. A spare tire.

Page 21

#DUKERS246 | DECEMBER 2020

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

In this edition of “The People... The Passion“ we feature The Most Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, Vasco Lynch.

How old are you?

I’m quite young, I’m 27 to be exact.

When did you join the panel?

2010s Describe yourself in three words: I am very determined, supportive and I am a great interpreter, (I pride myself on facilitating conversations between two people who may not see eye to eye at a given point.

Do you have any nicknames?

Not sure if you’re aware of the famous Portuguese explorer ‘Vasco da Gama’ but I grew up with the nickname ‘Vasco da Gama’ or ‘da Gama’. Other than that, just plays on my name like: ‘Vassy’.

What is your personal motto?

Always try to help others.

What achievement are you most proud of outside of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Barbados?

My biggest achievement outside of the Award so far, the one I’m most proud of is attending St. John’s University (in New York) after Harrison College because I was able to get into St. John’s on a full tuition scholarship which was a big achievement for me and I studied Actuarial Science which can lead me to my dream career.

So, I find that to be a very big milestone so far in my life.

Page 22

Outside of the Award, are there any other hobbies that you have?

I enjoy reading. When I was in New York I had a lot of free time during my commute, so I became an avid reader since then and I’ve been continuing with it until this present moment.

What talents or skills do you possess that no one knows of?

I’m a pretty open book and anyone who knows me knows what I’m good at however, I’m a Math tutor, I’m kind of a well-educated in math and I put that to good use. Not only when I was in the classroom but also outside the classroom. Other than that, I would say I'm a decent amateur pool player, whenever I have some time with my friends, we would go to a pool hall and just have some fun.

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 deiabarbados@gmail.com

#DUKERS246 | DECEMBER 2020

Describe your favourite local location.

My favourite local location is St. Lawrence Gap. It’s a lively place in Barbados, it has multiple means of entertainment, for going out at night whether you are looking for music, dinner or a nice casual setting to hang out with your friends.

From Planning the hike to finally going home after a hike, what would you say is your favourite part of that process?

Going home after the hike and taking a bath cuz being on a Duke hike, sometimes you have to ask yourself if you really will take this shower at 1 o’clock in the morning or if you will just wait it out until you get home.

No day is complete without...

A nap Describe any pets you have.

My dog Rex, little Jack Russell has been with me for years. He's stubborn, hates baths and his leash, but loves belly rubs, back scratches and playing with his toys. Terrible guard dog though.

What tips and tricks can you share with Participants?

Everything in your backpack should have at least 2~3 uses for you while in the field. Barring that, have a strong back to support your over packing.

#DUKERS246 | DECEMBER 2020

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

January Friday 29 - Deadline to sign up for Gold AJ 2021

February Saturday 6 - Gold AJ 2021 Parents Information session

March Award Anniversary Activities

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

deiabarbados@gmail.com www.theawardbarbados.com

@dofebarbados /deabarbadosaward