Some major star power is behind a new community-wide enrichment initiative aimed at empowering Cayman’s youth to achieve greatness and aspire to big dreams.
It Takes a Village – borrowed from the title of a book by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – is the theme of the new programme, which was officially unveiled at George Town Primary School last week.
While many government officials and community leaders were gathered in the festively decorated room, it was hometown supermodel Selita Ebanks the children flocked to and proudly escorted to the podium.
Ms Ebanks, who has initiated Cayman Advanced Stardom through her foundation, spoke softly and said she would not be making a speech – rather, she said, “I believe in speaking from the heart.”
She wiped away a few tears as she recalled her own upbringing in George Town and the many who reached out to help her.
“Honestly, I see myself in every young child here,” she said. “I remember washing my [school] uniform by hand and hoping it dries in time, and walking to George Town Primary School. “I would not be me today without teachers like Miss Martin [now school principal Marie Martin].
“I remember after school with nothing two do and two ladies who owned a rag shop would let me come and help in the shop. It wasn’t about money, it was about having somewhere safe to go. That’s what I would like to do – create a safe haven for the children where they can express themselves, be open about their ideas, and where we can tell them they are beautiful and amazing and that they do have a voice.
“They have dreams and aspirations,” she said, referring particularly to children who may be identified as ‘at-risk’ and “just get pushed along” until they ultimately end up as teens who are pregnant or involved in drugs or domestic abuse.
The community-wide enrichment initiative “is a dream I’ve had for a very long time,” Ms Ebanks said, “I wouldn’t be me without Cayman.”
The programme
It Takes a Village is a collaborative effort among George Town Primary School, the Ministry of Education, Training and Employment, Rotary Sunrise Club, Sunrise Community Church, the Language and Literacy Institute, One Tree Four Five Collection and Ms Ebanks.
It will be coordinated and run under the auspices of the George Town Sports Club.
The initiative will include before- and after-school programmes; a rewards programme for perfect attendance, respect and hard work; a community service component; Be Free, Live Life, focusing on drug prevention education; and family programmes that encompass food and nutrition workshops, Parents as Preventers communications workshops; financial preparation and job readiness skills and training.
Remarks
Principal Marie Martin thanked Ms Ebanks “for seeing the importance of a programme like this,” adding that, “through her Star foundation, many people will benefit.”
“We are indeed very grateful for the after-school programme at George Town Primary School,” she said. “Through the Star programme, the children will see that they, too, can reach greatness, reach forth and grab their won star.”
Michael Myles from the Ministry of Education told those gathered that, “‘It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men,’” quoting Frederick Douglass.
Education Minister Rolston Anglin emphasised that the gathering was “really all about the children.”
“Every single one of you can achieve greatness in your lives and do anything you want to do,” he told them.
He continued: “For decades we have seen children who end up at-risk, but our response has not been comprehensive enough. I believe the ministry’s approach at community collaboration may be more important for some kids than the government’s involvement..
“I hope that this programme will serve as a model programme and get more and more communities involved. Work with us while we work with the children.”
Finally, Dale Ramoon, president of the George Town Sports Club, said, “The most important thing is, I’d like to get back to some of those values that our parents instilled in us.
“We’re going to make this thing a success with everyone’s help.”
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