Blog

Parent Education and Personal Development Programme – Session 3

Parent Education and Personal Development Programme - Session 3

The Clarkson Foundation Inc. duly held the third session of its parent education and personal development programme on Saturday 10th February, 2024 at the Gordon Greenidge Primary School. 21 parents were present in addition to 11 children.

Participants were very much involved in the presentations on effective communication by Attorney-at-Law Ms. Sherry-Ann Batson, on self-esteem and personal uplightment by Ms. Celia Collymore of Bajan Fusion and on self-believe by Mr. Roger Husbands.

Total thanks to Mrs. Sandie Field-Kellman who came for the first time to provide some teaching to the children whilst assisting in their care-taking.

Thanks also to Ms. Debie Turney and Ms. Keela Jordan who both also assisted and as usual to Shanice Jordan, Jayde Alleyne, Jonathan Smith and Susan Packer. The programme would not be able to run smoothly without the commitment of all these persons.

We look forward to this coming Saturday the parenting aspect of the programme will commence under lead from PAREDOS.

#ContinuingToServe #ParentEducation #PersonalDevelopment

Parent Education and Personal Development Programme – Session 3 Video

Parent Education and Personal Development Programme – Session 2

Parent Education and Personal Development Programme - Session 2

The Clarkson Foundation Inc. held its second parent education and personal development programme on Saturday, 3rd February, 2024 for 23 parents.

They were treated to informative sessions on self-esteem and personal upliftment by Ms. Celia Collymore of Bajan Fusion as well as on sexually transmitted diseases and their prevention by Dr. Danielle Reid-Melillo. We were pleased to have 3 men present on this occasion. 12 children came and were taken care of by Misses Shanice Jordan, J.P., my liaison officer, Jayde Alleyne and Stacey Medford as well as by my constituency assistant, Mr. Jonathan Smith.

Thanks as usual to them as well as to Misses Diana Forde and Susan Packer for assisting with serving the refreshments during break time.

#ContinuingToServe ParentEducation #SelfEsteem #STD #STI

Parent Education and Personal Development Programme – Opening and Session 1

Parent Education and Personal Development Programme - Opening Ceremony and 1st Session

The Clarkson Foundation Inc.'s Parent Education and Personal Development Programme for residents of as well as for parents of children residing in St. James North and surrounding districts commenced yesterday with an excellent opening ceremony.
Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs  and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith, M.P., Minister of State for Crime Prevention Corey Lane, M.P. and I all delivered remarks in support of the need to have this type of programme in communities islandwide for the benefit of our people.
Ms. Melena Simmons, Founder of Simply MEi and Parent Educator, addressed  participants and invited guests on critical concepts which will foster more resilient relationships between persons, including parents and their children. After the mid morning break for refreshments, Emotional Intelligence guru Mr. Tony Olton conducted an engaging session on the utilisation of emotional intelligence to bring about better parenting. Children of parents who attended were looked after by facilitators whilst their Mums participated in the programme.
We continue this coming Saturday morning at Gordon Greenidge Primary School with sessions conducted by Ms. Celia Collymore of Bajan Fusion and Dr. Danielle Reid-Melillo on healthy lifestyles and living. We will welcome more parents, both mothers and fathers, to attend for this second session and to both learn and join in supporting others in how to be better parents and how to develop our personalities so that we lead more satisfying lives.

Youth Literacy Programme 2023 – 3rd Session

Youth Literacy Programme 2023 - 3rd Session

Last Saturday, I hosted our third literacy classes for this summer in association with the Clarkson Foundation Inc. This time, 26 children attended.

I thank all those teachers and assistants who have ensured that this programme for the educational advancement of 5-10 year old constituents is a reality.

I give thanks to Mrs. Sandra "Sandy" Field-Kellman who came for the first time and gave her class the benefit of her 28 years experience in the teaching profession.

I look forward to all of these children attending this coming Saturday's classes.

Youth Literacy Programme 2023 – 2nd Session

Youth Literacy Programme 2023 - 2nd Session

Last Saturday I hosted our second literacy classes for this summer recess under the auspices of The Clarkson Foundation Inc., of which I am the patron.

This time, 32 children between ages 5-10 years old attended, up from 16 children the previous Saturday. This inspite of the fact that parts of my constituency experienced heavy rainfall early that morning, continuing up to the start of classes.
However, we made sure that they came by going for most of them at their homes and returning them to their homes. I am proud of this desire by these children to gain further knowledge and to improve their learning abilities.

I am again indebted to the same teachers and aides who taught and assisted in the first session, all of whom willingly returned in the adverse weather conditions. They were joined by teacher and Accreditation Council senior official Mr. Sergio Alleyne as well as by NCC Growth Lab officer Miss. Jayde Alleyne and Clarkson Foundation director Miss. Erica Hinkson.

Youth Literacy Programme 2023 – 1st Session

Youth Literacy Programme 2023 - 1st Session

Under the auspices of The Clarkson Foundation Inc., I yesterday started our literary classes for approximately 25 primary school constituents ages 5-9 years old at our constituency office.

This programme, initially conceptualised in 2019 by then branch President Miss. Christina Haynes (whose son Cayden attended the classes), is scheduled to run for 5 weeks on Saturday mornings until the next school year commences.

We thank primary school teachers Misses Bonwin Medford, Tiffany Richards, Alison Pierre and Rosheena Harding along with assistants Misses Shanice Jordan and Akeila Harding as well as Mr. Jonathan Smith for ensuring that this very significant initiative continues after our country's return to normalcy following Covid's forced social distancing.

Chic n’ Charitable 5 – A Pier Affair

Chic n' Charitable 5 - A Pier Affair

The Clarkson Foundation Inc.'s recent 5th Chic n' Charitable fundraising cocktail reception, held at Pier One Restaurant, Port St. Charles, Heywoods, St. Peter, was a resounding success. A great time was enjoyed by everyone.

Over 300 patrons were treated to an array of delicious food of bajan, European and Mediterranean favour, to superb entertainment by 7 singers from the Centre for the Blind, led by Granville Carter, BSM, accompanied by young musicians of the Barbados Community College Ensemble with the music arranged by renowned musician Mr. Roger Gittens as well as by enticing DJ music played by Mr. Sergio Alleyne.

The Foundation's Patron and St. James North Member of Parliament Mr. Edmund Hinkson as well as its Directors thank all those persons who attended and everyone, including those corporate and business entities, who contributed in any way to the event.

The funds raised will go a long way to assisting with the social, educational, personal and sporting development as well as with some basic economic needs of many vulnerable persons in the constituency over the next year.

The Foundation now looks forward to next year's planned hosting of a Young Mother's Empowerment Programme for constituents of St. James North.

#ClarksonFoundation #Charity #Fundraiser #CocktailParty #ThankYou

 

VIBES Life and Work Skills Programme 2022 – Graduation

VIBES Life and Work Skills Programme 2022 – Graduation

What was described by many graduates of The Clarkson Foundation Inc.'s VIBES Life and Work Skills programme as well as by many invited guests and members of the audience as "the best graduation which they had ever attended" was held on Saturday, August 13th at The Garden Church of God, Reid Road, The Garden.

With the event being appropriately blessed by Pastor Emeritus Martin Goodridge, 23 of the 47 graduates received their certificates from Mrs. Beverly Smith-Hinkson, the Foundation's Chairperson and wife of its Patron, St. James North Member of Parliament Edmund Hinkson.
A well decorated background designed by Miss. Andrea Howell of Creative Balloon Designs and Events Decor set the stage for a well-crafted motivational feature address by Mrs. Celeste Foster, Co-Founder of ACR Business Solutions Inc. and Executive Chairman of the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation Inc. Mrs. Foster informed of her humble upbringings, being raised in the City of Bridgetown, through to her rise to being one of our country's leading entrepreneurs, voluntarily contributing to her society's socio-economic development through the Small Business Association of which she was the President, her mentorship of many young potential business persons and her guidance of many self-employed persons.
The Member of Parliament in his address reiterated his and the Foundation's commitment to assist in whatever manner is humanly possible in realising the potential, talents and maximum personal development of those of his constituents who are prepared to be diligent, dedicated and focused and to believe in their self-worth and ability in striving to achieve career success.
Mr. Kristan Patrick and Miss. Niann Thompson, two of the graduates, proudly gave riveting presentations on behalf of their colleagues, crediting the programme which was held in May and June for their increased self-confidence and positive personal development.
Kudos to all of the Foundation's Directors for assisting in making this cohort the most successful of the four which the Foundation has now held. Gratitude to Miss. Shanice Jordan and Mr. Jonathan Smith, the substantive and acting constituency secretaries respectively, for their tireless efforts in liaising with everyone at various stages of the sessions' planning and execution.
Magnanimous thanks to Mrs. Rhonda Bryan-Hutson in particular and to Mr. Roger Husbands for their skillful tutorship of participants during the two months period. The programme is in debt to the many resource persons who expertly presented their knowledge weekly on Saturday mornings for the constituents' benefit.
Gratitude to Miss. Sharon Thompson, J.P., Miss. Susan Packer, Miss. Diana Forde, J.P. and Miss. June Thompson who weekly ensured that there were adequate refreshments for all of the participants. Thanks also to Miss. Deborah Butler, a graduate of the inaugural programme in 2014 for her delicious graduation cake in which the graduates shared as well as to Corbin's Catering Services for their vegetarian food.
Appreciation to the four Churches in St. James North, which this initiative gave the Foundation the opportunity to partner with in utilising their respective sanctuaries and property for various aspects of the programme.
Finally, gratitude to Mr. Samuel Knight and his team for the live streaming of the event, to Mr. Tristan Mapp for his photography as well as to the media personnel who attended.
The Foundation now looks forward to next year's planned hosting of a Young Mother's Empowerment Programme for constituents of St. James North.

#ClarksonFoundationInc #VIBES #LifeSkills #WorkSkills #CVWriting #InterviewSkills #PersonalDevelopment #Graduation

 

VIBES Life and Work Skills Programme 2022 – Graduation

VIBES Life and Work Skills Programme 2022 – Graduation

What was described by many graduates of The Clarkson Foundation Inc.'s VIBES Life and Work Skills programme as well as by many invited guests and members of the audience as "the best graduation which they had ever attended" was held on Saturday, August 13th at The Garden Church of God, Reid Road, The Garden.

With the event being appropriately blessed by Pastor Emeritus Martin Goodridge, 23 of the 47 graduates received their certificates from Mrs. Beverly Smith-Hinkson, the Foundation's Chairperson and wife of its Patron, St. James North Member of Parliament Edmund Hinkson.
A well decorated background designed by Miss. Andrea Howell of Creative Balloon Designs and Events Decor set the stage for a well-crafted motivational feature address by Mrs. Celeste Foster, Co-Founder of ACR Business Solutions Inc. and Executive Chairman of the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation Inc. Mrs. Foster informed of her humble upbringings, being raised in the City of Bridgetown, through to her rise to being one of our country's leading entrepreneurs, voluntarily contributing to her society's socio-economic development through the Small Business Association of which she was the President, her mentorship of many young potential business persons and her guidance of many self-employed persons.
The Member of Parliament in his address reiterated his and the Foundation's commitment to assist in whatever manner is humanly possible in realising the potential, talents and maximum personal development of those of his constituents who are prepared to be diligent, dedicated and focused and to believe in their self-worth and ability in striving to achieve career success.
Mr. Kristan Patrick and Miss. Niann Thompson, two of the graduates, proudly gave riveting presentations on behalf of their colleagues, crediting the programme which was held in May and June for their increased self-confidence and positive personal development.
Kudos to all of the Foundation's Directors for assisting in making this cohort the most successful of the four which the Foundation has now held. Gratitude to Miss. Shanice Jordan and Mr. Jonathan Smith, the substantive and acting constituency secretaries respectively, for their tireless efforts in liaising with everyone at various stages of the sessions' planning and execution.
Magnanimous thanks to Mrs. Rhonda Bryan-Hutson in particular and to Mr. Roger Husbands for their skillful tutorship of participants during the two months period. The programme is in debt to the many resource persons who expertly presented their knowledge weekly on Saturday mornings for the constituents' benefit.
Gratitude to Miss. Sharon Thompson, J.P., Miss. Susan Packer, Miss. Diana Forde, J.P. and Miss. June Thompson who weekly ensured that there were adequate refreshments for all of the participants. Thanks also to Miss. Deborah Butler, a graduate of the inaugural programme in 2014 for her delicious graduation cake in which the graduates shared as well as to Corbin's Catering Services for their vegetarian food.
Appreciation to the four Churches in St. James North, which this initiative gave the Foundation the opportunity to partner with in utilising their respective sanctuaries and property for various aspects of the programme.
Finally, gratitude to Mr. Samuel Knight and his team for the live streaming of the event, to Mr. Tristan Mapp for his photography as well as to the media personnel who attended.
The Foundation now looks forward to next year's planned hosting of a Young Mother's Empowerment Programme for constituents of St. James North.

#ClarksonFoundationInc #VIBES #LifeSkills #WorkSkills #CVWriting #InterviewSkills #PersonalDevelopment #Graduation

 

VIBES Life and Work Skills Programme 2022 – Session 8

VIBES Life and Work Skills Programme 2022 – Session 8

Last Saturday, The Clarkson Foundation Inc. held its eighth and final session of this year's VIBES life and work skills programme. We hosted a mock interview process for 36 participants, conducted by a panel of expert human resource specialists.

We are extremely grateful to Ms. Claire Garnes, Recruitment Officer at the Youth Advance Corps, Ms. Laura Harewood, Human Resource Business Partner with the Barbados Light and Power Co., Ms. Joan Leacock, Human Resource Development Consultant/ Trainer, Ms. Cindy Miller, Executive Assistant with The Elegant Hotels Group and certified Hospitality Trainer, Ms. Joanne Odle, Human Resources and IT Manager at Hanschell Inniss Ltd., and Ms. Joycelyn Watts, Vocational Counselor, for taking their time to share their professionalism and expertise with my constituents.
They significantly prepared these participants for the reality of the job interview and their gateway to employment.

We are indebted to Reverend Dr. Lucille Baird, MBE, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Mount Zion's Missions Inc., and the management and staff of her Church for accommodating us and allowing their Great Hall for our participants' mock interviews.

On this coming Saturday, we are scheduled to visit Nine Acres Farm in Christ Church, so that participants can see first hand agricultural and farming operations and explore available employment and self-employment opportunities in this very important productive and food security sector.

#ClarksonFoundationInc #LifeSkills #WorkSkills #CVWriting #InterviewSkills #PersonalDevelopment #ContinuingToServe