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Sandals Foundation and Sandals Corporate University Spearhead Regional Empowerment Sessions to “Inspire Inclusion” on International Women’s Day
PROVIDENCIALES, March 14, 2024 – In a decisive move to strategically engage, listen to and empower young women across the Caribbean, the Sandals Foundation partnered with Sandals Corporate University and the Learning and Development Team at Sandals Resorts International to inspire more than 700 women across the Caribbean.
Michelle Parker – BTC Village Manager makes her presentation
Through a series of uniquely curated sessions for teenage girls and young adults, a contingent of approximately 60 volunteers visited high schools, learning centres and girls’ homes across eight islands to explore the importance of training and education to make their mark in the world.
“Since the theme for IWD is “Inspire Inclusion” we wanted to focus on the importance of education and training for growth, confidence and self-esteem to ensure that our young women are ready to take their place in the workplace and society,” says Dr. Luz Longsworth, Senior Corporate Director, Sandals Corporate University.
Here in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, topics of individuality and self-expression, self-discipline and perseverance, self-care, self-growth, and overcoming life’s challenges were covered by three presenters from the Beaches Turks and Caicos team. Tanya Swann, Director of Sales spoke on “The Importance of Education and Training for Growth”. Michelle Parker, Village Manager discussed “The Importance of a Young Woman’s Development of Confidence and Self – Esteem” and Mirlande Nomincy, Front Office Shift Leader, helped the young women “connect the dots” by guiding them on how to use what they had learnt as she transitioned to the topic, “Taking Your Rightful Place in the Workplace and Society”.
A total of thirty students from all the high schools in Providenciales were invited to take part in the morning session. Students in attendance were from British West Indies Collegiate, Holy Family Academy, Maranatha Academy, Clement Howell High School, Louise Garland Thomas High School and Wesley Methodist High School. Students and teachers converged at the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre for what turned out to be a very inspiring, emotional and riveting session.
Mirlande Nomincy shares with the women present
Each participant was crowned upon arrival with a tiara to be reminded, according to Public Relations Coordinator and Sandals Foundation Ambassador, Jodian Scott–Banton, “That they are royal and special. It is that spirit of self- confidence that will propel them through life and lead them to take their rightful places in society.”
Using personal stories and experiences as anecdotal lessons of transformation, the presenters who were representatives of Sandals Corporate University and Sandals Foundation team sparked enthusiasm and honest interaction from the targeted young women.
Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at Sandals Foundation said, “as we enter our 15th year of operation, the Sandals Foundation is placing sharp focus on tangible ways we can empower lives in every respect. We were delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the Sandals Corporate University to partner with us on this initiative, bringing their expertise to the lesson development for this special day.”
“Our young women are powerful beyond measure with sometimes only needing a guide to help direct their path,” Clarke continued, “And as a Caribbean organisation, it is our duty to lend our resources, time, and expertise to empower the next generation in any way we can.”
Participants make notes of the presentations
Speaking to the impact of the session, student of Maranatha Academy, Ebony Levy shared, “I appreciate the way in which the presenters shared their personal experiences. They made themselves vulnerable when they shared their personal challenges but most importantly, I think we all were encouraged to keep pushing and doing our best. These ladies are leaders, and they are setting the foundation for future leaders like me,” Levy commented.
Hotel Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, Sharon Fagan expressed her satisfaction with the IWD initiative. “As women we have come a far way, but we still have a far way to go. I am happy that the young ladies of our nation can recognise that Beaches Turks and Caicos supports their growth and success and that we are willing to assist them in various ways.”
The women’s empowerment sessions form part of the Sandals Foundation’s Women Helping Others Achieve (WHOA) Programme which provides mentorship, education, training and other tools needed to help marginalized women across the Caribbean find inspiration and strength to advance and transform their personal and professional lives.
On March 18, the Sandals Foundation will commemorate 15 years of empowering Caribbean communities with a mission to inspire hope.
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Sandals Foundation:
The Sandals Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, a CTA registered charity in Canada and registered charity- Charity Commission England & Wales that was created to continue and expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken. It is the culmination of close to four decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where we operate across the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment. One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community. To learn more about the Sandals Foundation, visit online at www.sandalsfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter