HOPE Tears

Charlestown, Nevis- On August 2nd and 3rd 2008, a newly formed society-minded group called Hope Tears hosted its first annual “I Love Me” Retreat for young girls between the ages of 9 – 16 who, because of social, behavioural or educational circumstances are considered at risk of falling victim to social ills.

Thirteen out of the twenty-five girls who were selected from around the country showed up at the Cayon Community Center to hear and participate in open and interactive sessions and activities on self esteem, self confidence, the importance of and developing positive self image, communication and generally issues that the young ladies were dealing with. 

In addition to the sharing information through the sessions, the objectives of the retreat were to begin a mentor- mentee relationship with the young ladies, allow them to ask specific questions to get real answers and to create an individual service plan that looks at their journey to accomplishing their goals and resolving their challenges.

Sessions were facilitated by Claricia Richardson-Langley (2001 1st Runner Up in the National Carnival Queen Pageant), Kiera Chion (a student from York University interning with the Basic Needs Trust Fund, St. Kitts), Azilla Clarke (licensed social worker), Nadia Rawlins (psychology major at the University of the Virgin Islands), Jihan Williams (CARICOM Youth Ambassador) and Cindy DeSuza (2nd Runner Up in the 2007 National Carnival Queen Pageant).  ~~Adz:Right~~

Jihan Williams, Hope Tears’ chairperson said “It was important for us to focus on that critical age group to encourage positive behaviour and to attempt to deter bad habits that may or may not have already started. We faced numerous challenges in organising the event, primarily in securing financial support since unfortunately we depended on the cries for positive youth-oriented activities and promises of support from corporate persons that we were bombarded with when we first pitched the idea.

 However, we received lots of “it’s a good idea but...” responses when the time came to actually deliver on their promises to support. Nonetheless, we did the best we could with what we had and based on the openness and willingness of the participants to continue relationships with us, we believe that we accomplished our purposes.

Hope Tears would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the participants and their parents and guardians for their stellar support of the “I Love Me!” Retreat and to publicly thank and applaud Cable and Wireless, Island Auto Supplies, TDC, the Ministry of Social and Community Development, Department of Youth and Mr. Jerry Louis for their contributions to this event and by extension, their tangible and dependable commitment to the positive development of the nation’s youth.