BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Saddlers-based Saving Our Youth At Risk (SOYAR) youth group continues to initiate activities of positive social change in their community with a recent workshop which was geared towards empowering teens.
On Wednesday (May 11), teenage mothers in the community were engaged in a timely workshop at the Saddlers Primary School held under the theme ‘Empowering Women to Become Better Parents’.
The workshop had featured one of SOYAR’s members, Kimmoy Henry-Brathwaite, as a guest speaker, who spoke extensively about her experience as a teen mother.
According to a release from SOYAR, Brathwaite spoke of the importance of proper parenting and the different ways it could contribute to a better society.
Brathwaite also said that she experienced many adversities and felt alone and confused at times.
She explained that although a few members of the community assisted her during that period, she was very disappointed in herself as the completion of her academic career was never achieved.
However, through hard work and determination she was able to capitalise on a silver lining and, now married, is a senior employee at the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security.
Brathwaite urged the young women to protect themselves at all cost in order to prevent unplanned pregnancy. She also encouraged them to continue their educational journey and become successful, well-rounded individuals, as education has been one of the few resources readily available for the alleviation of unplanned teenage pregnancy and, to an extent, poverty.
The dialogue was said to be inspirational and requests were made for another workshop.
Natalie Brown of First Class Jewelry provided gifts for the attendees and Dr. Mervin Laws offered his services to assist the babies of the participants with free medical care for a specified period of time.
This workshop is one of a series planned by SOYAR that will cater to various issues surrounding youths of that community and, by extension, the Federation.
According to Alicia Collins, President of SOYAR, the group is thankful to all individuals for their contributions.
She stated that on May 7, SOYAR launched study groups for the children of Saddlers Primary School to assist those who would be writing the Test of Standards in June, 2011.
“The study group received an overwhelming response and the members would like to say special thanks to the parents for allowing their children to attend these sessions. These groups will be held every Saturday at the Saddlers Primary School from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.,” she declared.
Collins indicated that most of SOYAR’s members attended the Saddlers Primary School and are willing to assist the institution in its needs.
She said their recent donation of EC$1 000 to the school to assist with the renovation of the its kitchen area was well received and appreciated by not only students and teachers but also the entire community.
“SOYAR stands dedicated in positively inspiring our youths to refrain from social ills, thus making a positive contribution to nation building as our aim is not only to build a superior Saddlers Village but also a superior St. Kitts-Nevis,” Collins said.
