NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Scores of youths from private and public schools across New Providence flocked to SuperClubs Breezes over a September weekend to discover how they could become active in their community through the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA).
A press release from GGYA described the local arm of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award as “the world’s leading achievement award” which offers young people the opportunity to gain three Awards through four activities – volunteering, physical exercise, skills and an expedition. The latter is also called an adventurous journey, an overnight expedition by foot, bike, boat or other modes of approved travel.
“The goal was to introduce young people to activities they can do in order to pursue their Bronze, Silver or Gold Award,” according to Jacquetta Lightbourne-Maycock, GGYA’s national director.
“At the start of a new school year, we wanted to reacquaint our participants with traditional activities such as Boys Brigade, Girl Guide, Scout, Rangers and Junior Achievement and introduce them to new ones like Chinese dragon boat racing and Blue Angel Flight Experience, a flight school.”
The event displayed opportunities for young people to engage in community service work with land and marine animals through Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and Ardastra Wildlife and Conservation Centre.
GGYA participants were also able to sign up for life-changing opportunities to help others through Hands for Hunger, The Dignified Girl Project and Bahamas Red Cross; and help themselves by partnering with HaLT, a non-profit that promotes a healthy lifestyle under the auspices of The Cancer Society of The Bahamas.
“I was amazed by all the opportunities to get involved, especially the Dignified Girl Project, catering to those who are unable to buy feminine products,” said Zahriya Reckley, a twelfth grader at Jordan Prince Williams.
“You are more likely to see a volunteer group like that in America and not The Bahamas, so I volunteered my services to them. That’s going to be my community service.”
For C.C. Sweeting twelfth grader, Jenika Pierre, Hands for Hunger stood out.
“I helped out with them before, through my church when I was younger, but I stopped as my school schedule got busier. I want to get active with them again. It feels good to give back.”
The Scout Association of The Bahamas caught Carlton Tucker’s eyes.
“I found it interesting. I want to join,” said the tenth grader at George O. Fowler Apostolic Academy. “I think that and GGYA will help me in the long run, for life.”
One popular activity at Saturday’s event was Blue Angel Flight Experience. The business highlighted its flight simulators that teach youngsters how to fly.
Sheryl Carey, a ground instructor and pilot, explained: “We teach the basic fundamental of flying and we can also provide ground classes for them to get their private pilot license which could go towards GGYA’s skill-development component.”
New and old community partners alike were present at GGYA’s showcase, including newcomer Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association and long-standing partner Ardastra Gardens. One such newcomer to GGYA’s showcase, now in its second year, was the Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association. The water sport requires teens to be at least 14 year-old and have some proficiency in swimming.
Interested persons can enroll in the Governor General’s Youth Award at any time, through one of its 35 units on eight islands or contact the national office at #12 Essex Street.
