BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 15, 2012 - Throughout the years numerous local, regional and international community organizations have operated in St. Kitts and Nevis with the common purpose of transforming the lives of the children and youths of the Federation. Some of these projects are still in operation, but others were not able to stay the course for many reasons, including lack of funding and waning interest of the organizers. The Ripple Institute SKN (TRI) has been established to transform the way community-based groups and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) receive support, advice and guidance in the operation and delivery of their services, and to facilitate their sustainability.
TRI is a forward thinking organization whose primary objective is social development and community service. It is a non-government organization that engages a wide prospective NGO partnership in soliciting support for its operational and programming activities.
The mandate of TRI speaks to “……..the establishment and implementation of diverse programs which promote family and democratic values and encourage self reliance; programs which are age-appropriate and research-based and geared towards the wholesome development of children and youth, and the abatement of their risk behavior.”
Of particular interest to TRI at this junction is the amelioration of the urgent problems of violence and aggression, particularly among youth in St. Kitts and Nevis society, as in the wider Caribbean.
TRI will also provide support to less structured civil society groups for project development and execution. Generally, TRI forges partnerships with the public and private sectors, with the NGO community – particularly youth-centered organizations, the ecclesiastical community, academic institutions, development agencies and others interested in the promotion of ventures for improved outcomes of children and youth.
TRI is a national, non-partisan, non-profit social development organization. It was founded as an initiative of Dr. Izben C. Williams, psychiatrist and former Ambassador to the USA, in response to a compelling social need.
The Federation, over the years has seen many changes in our cultural practices, a substantial shift in our traditional values, and the emergence of a new generation whose behaviors are largely alien to ethos of most elders. Social media has equipped this new generation with easy global access to information and influences hitherto inconceivable. TRI is equipping itself to utilize these same transformational tools, and others appropriate to the task, to minimize risk behaviors and to influence a new direction for the Federation’s youth.
A new Board of Trustees of the Institute was installed and held its first meeting 5th January 2012. The Board, Chaired by Professor Frank Ervin, an eminent Psychiatrist and behavioral science researcher, reflects a breath of experience and expertise as well as the community mindedness of individuals, commensurate with their role as social policy trustees, and having due regard for the programming thrust that the Institute will spearhead. The Institute enjoys the patronage of His Excellency Sir Cuthbert M. Sebastian, Governor General of St Kitts and Nevis, who also serves as Honorary Chair of the Board of Trustees.
The structure of TRI allows for broad inclusion of nationals at home and abroad so that the Institute’s target clientele (children and youth) could benefit optimally from a wide national resource base. In addition to the Board of Trustees TRI accomplishes its purposes through the following segments:
I. The Ripple Youth Council (TRYC): Membership in The Ripple Youth Council is open to youth organizations, and to individual youth who qualify for membership, according to established membership criteria.
II. TRI Committee of Advisors (TRICA) is comprised of a broad group of persons, each with experience/expertise in their particular discipline, on whom TRI may call from time to time for professional advise on matters within their respective spheres of competence, matters which have relevance to advancing the business of TRI.
III. TRI Diaspora Alliance (TRIDA) comprises all nationals and national organizations of the St. Kitts and Nevis Diaspora that align themselves with TRI and its mission and who support the work of TRI in their respective ways.
IV. TRI Volunteer Corps comprises a group of eligible persons, as stipulated in the bylaws, who volunteer their time in the service of TRI
V. The Friends of TRI is comprised of persons or organizations who demonstrate goodwill towards TRI, or who may collaborate with or support the activities of TRI.
Many local businesses have demonstrated responsive and responsible corporate citizenship by donating services, equipment, furnishings and money towards start-up operations the Institute. Contributors will be acknowledged on the Institute’s web site, shortly. Funding for the Institute’s broad sphere of programming is being largely sourced from International Development Agencies.
There have been many enquires about the types of programming that will emanate from the Institute. Programs that will be delivered include:
• Programs to strengthen family, reinforce social values, prepare for the world of work and reduce the likelihood in risk behavior
• Parenting education programs
• Life skills coaching
• Community after-school and leisure structuring programs
• Peer mediation and peer counseling programs
• Development of child guidance and youth mental health services
• Children’s rights instruction and advocacy
• Establishment of a child helpline in St. Kitts and Nevis
The Ripple Youth Council (TRYC) is pivotal to the operations of the Institute. The membership of TRYC will comprise of youth in their personal capacity or as representatives of organizations.
Here are answers to some other frequent enquiries regarding TRYC:
Who can join?
Membership is open to:
• Youth Centered organizations with clear governance structure, the target of whose main activities are children and youth.
• Individuals residing in St Kitts and Nevis between the age of 12 and 30 who are ambitious and enterprising or who demonstrate keen interest, or have a proven history, in volunteerism, youth activism, or community service.
How can I join TRYC?
Application forms are available from the Institute’s offices and will be available shortly online. Completed forms will be screened and approved by a peer membership-application Review Board.
What’s In It For Me?
Members of TRYC, have access to TRI’s resources and expertise to execute group activities that are in line with TRI’s objectives. But in addition, the opportunity for growth through service, the exploration of ideas and interests, and the development of life skills, are among the value added benefits.
What would I have to do as a member of the TRYC?,
All Ripple Youth Council members must select a focus/interest promotion group (e.g. environment and health, agriculture, entrepreneurship, ICT, leadership, culture, volunteerism, sports and games etc) with which to align themselves. Members are required to regularly attend and participate in TRYC meetings and activities. Group meetings are quarterly, but may be more frequent if the level of activities so dictate.
TRYC is currently on a membership drive. If interested, contact The Ripple Institute for an application form. TRYC’s first (introductory) meeting will held 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday 21st November 2012, at The Credit Union Building, Bladen Commercial Development.
For further information regarding TRYC or about the institute, contact:- Ms. Ruby Thomas, Executive Director Tri (rubythomas2012@yahoo.com) or Ms. Jihan Williams, Trustee and Youth Rep (jihan_williams@hotmail.com) at The Ripple Institute (SKN), 12 Independence Square West, Basseterre, St Kitts, Tel: (869) 465 7500, Fax: (869) 465 7511, Email: rippleskn@sisterisles.kn
*Adele Williams is a qualified youth and community development officer of Nevisian heritage. She was educated in the United Kingdom and worked there in several social enterprise and community development capacities. She has now returned home to contribute to the social development of her motherland. Ms Williams is a volunteer with The Ripple Institute.
