THE EXPEDITIONER
Apr 2016
Sheraton Mall Sargeant’s Village Christ Church T (246) 436-8754 F (246) 436-1630 deiabarbados@gmail.com www.theawardbarbados.com www.facebook.com/deabarbadosaward
Looking forward to a year of growth The new year is full of great potential for the Award in Barbados. Many seeds that were planted are beginning to sprout and with a little sprinkle of rain and sunshine they will surely start to grow strong and tall. That sunshine and rain comes through the continued efforts of a corps of volunteers and supporters who are undoubtedly worthy of recognition. To date the programme's success has been built on their commitment to making sure that all interested in the Award get the chance to be award holders Over the next twelve months we hope to attract more volunteers to expand the reach of the Award. We expect to welcome new groups in 2017 from the Boy Scouts and Anglican Church brigade among others. Also we are working further on developing the delivery programme and improving the experience for both the participants and the volunteers. The Online Record book is a key tool in the modern delivery. The software is fantastic for keeping track of progress and helping the participants to succeed. Our website is another good place to get ahead with doing the Award; be sure to find what’s available on the site (www.theawardbarbados.com)
...the continued efforts of a corps of volunteers and supporters who are undoubtedly worthy of recognition. To date the programme's success has been built on their commitment... In 2016, the programme was able to attract some new sponsors whose contributions assisted a contingent of almost 30 persons to Trinidad and Tobago. Last year seven trainee leaders attended the event and completed the leaders and assessors course. There were 10 participants at the annual sub-regional camp. Financial donations make the Award possible by providing resources to leaders and participants. These resources are opening doors for young people to conquer fears and grow in confidence. By completing the service section of the Award they not only become more engaged with their communities but can see what role we each have in the world around us. As we go forward into 2017 we want to maintain the growth of the recent years. You, our donors, our volunteers, our participants and parents have quite a contribution to make in this regard. Stay connected and engaged with the Programme and spread the word about just what an impact the Programme has. Let’s give everyone the chance to be a ‘duker’.
Page 2
THE EXPEDITIONER
respective groups. Stephen placed emphasis on the Having been elected for a three-year term Adventurous Journey section in 2015, Chairman Stephen Smith got a and the Expedition Panel. He new executive team on Sat 1 October at showed concern with varying the Annual General Meeting. Elected aspects of the assessment were: Kerron Hamblin (Deputy Chairman), process and ensuring that the Chad Larrier, Wayne Ifill and Dawn panel can continue to deliver Medford. In addition to the elections the on its mandate to the Award’s AGM was an opportunity to update the participants. In response, the Award family on recent events and assurance was given that the expectations. Both the Chairman and panel was working on Operations Manager encouraged the improving its service delivery leaders present to step up their efforts to and its own sustainability. recruit greater numbers to their
New council elected
For leaders as well, there was a focus on greater collaboration. Carla Alleyne encouraged them to keep regular contact with the office in order to access the support they would need to fully deliver the Award to our youth. The new Council will have to get to work on a number of areas in particular extending the availability of the programme and attracting new support resources to the Programme’s operations.
Page 3
Dukers wish Barbados well
THE EXPEDITIONER in such a meaningful way. For the entire month of November, Dukers shared just what it means to be Bajan. The reflective posts gave participants an opportunity to pay tribute to the favourite places on the island and to share tidbits about Barbadian culture. They were also asked just how being a part of the Award impacts on Barbados as a nation. Jennifer Jiang of the noted that being a part of the Award allowed her to find herself and teach others the skills she learned. Meanwhile, Janine Brathwaite measured the impact through improved human resources for the country.
Golden anniversary celebrations for Barbados lasted throughout the year with the climax at the historic Garrison Savannah with the unveiling of the commemorative monument. Before that, there was a major effort to show great unity through a human chain link around the island. This was the first attempt since 1979 to form that bond around Barbados. Participants and Award holders took part in the chain at various locations. Over at the Garrison, Operations Manager Carla Alleyne was joined by a group of participants to be part of the event. Chairman, Stephen Smith went to the East Coast where he joined The St. Michael School. Congratulations to all those involved in bringing the country together
Revitalising the Gold Award Association The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Barbados has for many years produced some of the most outstanding individuals, with hundreds of gold award holders scattered all over the world. Achieving a Gold Award is an extremely prestigious achievement in one's Award journey, however upon this accomplishment, it is important to turn one's attention to what one's "life after Gold" will look like. All gold award holders automatically become members of the Barbados Gold Award Holder Association; the alumni arm of the Programme tasked with encouraging members to contribute to the future development of the Programme and to continue to foster its principles. In order to fulfil its role, the long dormant BGAA was revitalised in 2011 with a welcome reception at the Barbados Regiment Headquarters on the Garrison Savannah and its members aimed to breathe new life into the Association through the implementation of programmes like the "Bring a Fren' and Come hike". More recently, the BGAA has lost some of its momentum due to the demands of life, sometimes getting in the way of the most well-meaning alumni, but gold award holders remain a valuable part of the Award family being able to provide knowledge, a varied skills base, energy and ideas in a number of critical areas. So, if you are a gold award holder , are willing to give back, interested in organising fundraising and social events and would like to network with other gold award holders across the world while representing Barbados at the International Gold Event in Prague, Czech Republic during October this year, we would certainly love to hear from you!
Page 4
THE EXPEDITIONER Smith was sure to highlight the importance of the corporate donors and volunteers in the success of the Award. Barbados has benefitted from many years of dedicated support from volunteers who give their time. Both Awardees expressed pleasure at having been able to meet HRH and most of all at becoming the island’s latest gold award holders. This however is not the end of the line as they will be able to continue to be part of the Award now as adult volunteers helping others to get the gold.
Prince Harry makes History in Barbados Just when it looked like they would have to wait for a while to receive their much deserved gold award pins, Jade Gibbons and CharlĂŠe Gittens got caught up in the exciting whirlwind tour of the Caribbean by the Prince Harry. A gold award presentation was included in his packed schedule as he visited the island for the 50th anniversary of independence. The young ladies received their pins in a brief ceremony at Government House. Despite rainy conditions there was an air of excitement for the ladies as Chairman of the Award, Stephen Smith gave short remarks about just how the ladies got their gold awards. CharlĂŠe completed her gold adventurous journey in Barbados in 2013. This was one of the highlights of her award experience as she was able to work alongside persons from other islands on an environmental project. Whilst studying in the UK, Jade did community service, feeding homeless people. But the experience went far beyond passing out meals, she made friends with some of those they served and learned quite a bit about their lives.
Overall, from that interaction she was able to conclude that all people really want to be treated equally and recognised for their contribution. Also attending the event were local participants in Princes Trust International training for young people. Stephen encouraged those affiliated with the Princes Trust to consider introducing the Award to its activities. As both are concerned with giving the next generation the best start to adulthood.
Page 5
Pink ribbons at Carlton It was a case of the pink and blue flu in October. Participants set out to raise support for the Breast Screening Programme at Carlton & A1 Supermarket in October. For an entire Saturday participants in the signature Award blue made sure shoppers didn’t forget to make a donation. The nationwide effort by the Barbados Cancer Society allows the Breast Screening Programme to offer affordable testing and treatment to Barbadian women.
THE EXPEDITIONER
Page 6
Spreading Joy at Christmas time
The yuletide season is a time for giving and for Award participants, this takes many forms from their regular service activities to wearing a red and white cap and becoming one of Santa’s elves. Participants came out in their numbers to lend a hand when Sheraton Mall treated some of the island’s children to a fun day at the mall. Just like the team at the North Pole, the Award members were in constant motion making sure that gifts were wrapped, faces got painted and movie popcorn served. It was a great day for all.
The Royal Commonwealth Society once more set out to bring Christmas alive in Bridgetown spreading trees across the squares of the city. Participants spent weeks transforming used plastic, paper and cloth into decorations for a tree which was meant to showcase the many aspects of the Programme.
THE EXPEDITIONER
Page 7
CASC 2017 training starts—Seven wonders of Guyana await.
Fresh off the heels of a successful trip to Trinidad and Tobago, work has already started to prepare the Barbados CASC 2017 contingent. The group is expected to complete a training programme over the next few months. There will be a number of targeted events that will help to ready the group both mentally and physically.
THE EXPEDITIONER to task as he prepares the entire group to enjoy all that Guyana will have to offer in 2017. Roger has attended many CASC expeditions; in 2013 when Barbados hosted the camp he served as the Logistics officer. A civil engineer by profession he brings a wealth of experience to the role of contingent leader.
The training programme will enlist support from award holders and other support agencies to make sure that the Roger Best has been selected as the group has a fun time in the lead up to the Contingent leader and will certainly be put summer event. The Barbados contingent
will comprise gold participants, trainee leaders and staff. Before their arrival in Guyana, the trainee leaders will be exposed to multiple leadership sessions.
Page 8
Coming together for the FUN!!!
Overcast skies did not dampen the hiker’s spirit when the annual Bring ah fren and come hike happened in October. Though the turnout was smaller than hoped for, it was a great evening of fun and exercise. The route took the group from Codrington College down to Consett Bay over to Fortesque and back. Participants, group leaders and family members enjoyed the trek that combined trail with tricky mud and great views of the South East of the island. Be sure to join us next time.
THE EXPEDITIONER