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mYouth Development Programme
  Graduating Class of 2003

THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Working towards its goal of providing a source of inspiration for the young people of Trinidad and Tobago, the Foundation started its Youth Programme in 2003. Thirty-eight (38) young men and women successfully graduated from their first year in our 2003-2004 Youth Programme. This group hailed from a number of diverse backgrounds, ranging from normally-abled to differently-abled youth, and from the socially advantaged to the socially challenged youth. These youths were able to rise above their differences and develop significant relationships.

     
 

Team members originated from:

• The St. Michael’s School for Boys
• St. Francois Girls College
• The Maple Leaf International School
• Cascade School for The Deaf
• Santa Cruz School for The Blind
• Princess Elizabeth School

Each team worked together to derive an Improvement Implementation Proposal (IIP) to submit to the foundation geared towards improving the lives of the differently able. Three IIPs were submitted.

These included:
• A Vocational Centre for The Princess Elizabeth School
• A Reading Room for The School for The Cascade School for The Deaf
• A refurbished play area for The Santa Cruz School for The Blind
 
 

The IIPs were displayed at the Heroes Convention II in the form of models and conceptual drawings. They have now reached the surveying stage and will continue to be developed as funding and resources become available. Having completed the IIPS and gained the focus and co-operation of the team, the foundation chose to focus on empowering its Youth Development Programme (YDP) members during the second year. The students identified career paths, areas of art and craft as well as sports in which they wanted to expand their knowledge. The foundation then embarked upon broadening the YDP members’ awareness of these areas through a series of interactive workshops that were held each month at The Princess Elizabeth Centre.

The Foundation realizes the crucial role that education plays in the journey towards empowerment and this accounts for its decision to make education its primary focus.This was reflected in the theme of Heroes Convention III, “Free Your Mind Education is the Key” in May 2005 which showcased locally availarble education opportunities. Also featured at the 2005 Convention were displays from another initiative, “The My School Hero” Project. This endeavor asked the students of participating schools to highlight the achievements of a past or present pupil or member of staff that they felt served as a source of motivation and pride for the school body.

HF sees this project as a powerful tool to enhance school spirit, encourage cooperation and enable students to identify and be motivated by role models. Coupled with the “My School Hero” effort, the Foundation is ready is to expand its presence within the secondary school system and help more young people realize their true potentials, hereby nurturing the Heroes of the future!

 
Youth Team members after Graduation Pizza Lime Pizza Lime 2
Josanne Leid demonstrating Sign Language Mural Creation Cricket Day
 
miinTeam Member Testimonials
 
"I liked being part of the Youth Programme because it taught other kids how to appreciate persons with disabilities. I was also able to learn new things at every meeting and was happy to interact with a lot of other kids, including those with different disabilities than my own."

Roopanie Ramlal from Princess Elizabeth, HF Pioneer Youth Member
I have a hearing impaired brother named Ian. THF showed me there is always room to learn more, I've gained more knowledge about my brother's 'second family' than before. I learned to communicate with him better. Heroes weren't only interested in the hearing impaired. The blind and the physically challenged ones were also present. I've made some new friends, but the entire programme is a learning experience."

Josanne Leid from St. Francois Girls High School, HF Pioneer Youth Member.

"Being involved in Heroes has helped me stay out of trouble and focus on my work. I've learnt that there is a way in which I can help disabled people e.g. if I see a blind person trying to cross the street, I should assist them. Also, the skit that was put on by my St. Michael's colleagues, showed me that I should not smoke."

Clinton Lewis from St. Michael's Home for Boys, HF Pioneer Youth Member.

       
 
mNeed to know more about YDP?
If you'd like to know more about the programme, and how you can become involved, feel free to call, email or drop in. Our staff is always happy to tell more people about the programme.

Patricia Auguste
Youth Development Coordinator

c/o The Heroes Foundation
#52 Luis Street, Woodbrook, Trinidad.

Tel: (868) 628-0619
info@theheroesfoundation.com
The Cause is Just, The Need is Great, The Time has Come...For Heroes