by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN) – Habits, be they good or bad, once approached with consistency and repetition, will become second nature over time.
For seven days, 12 boys on the island of Nevis were enrolled in the Boys in Ties Summer Programme, where they were encouraged to normalise good habits and make positive life choices.
Throughout the week, the boys were engaged in activities and seminars with professionals who taught them skills, values and discipline that would contribute to their overall development.
The topic for day 1 (July 17 2023): “The Importance of Academics and Obtaining a Skill”, was facilitated by Retired Educator Mr Samuel Caines and Entrepreneur Mr Ryan Khadou.
The topic for day 2 was “Show up for Success.” Mr Bjorn Hazel, Senior Foreign Service Officer, facilitated a session on Business Attire, Grooming, Etiquette, and Confidence. Mr Stevenson Manners, an Educator, facilitated a session on Interview Prep and Good Work Ethics, whilst Mr Delvon Clarke, Supervisor of the Digital Archiving Unit, hosted a Tie Tying Lesson. Past members, Mr Hallie Yankey and Mr Kenroy Warner, also facilitated the Tie Tying Session.
On Day 3, the topics of focus were: “Save now to Secure your Future,” “Sex Education” and “Health.”
The first presentation: “Financing: The Importance of Budgeting”, was facilitated by Mr Collin Dore, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Finance. The second presentation, “What Does it Take to be an Entrepreneur?” was facilitated By Mr. Kiaun Collins. The third presentation: “Technology and its Impact on Business and Modern-Day Society”, was conducted by Mr Alden Isaac, Information Technology Specialist; the fourth presentation: “The Importance of Safe Sex”, was conducted by Terysia Herbert, Prevention and Education Officer at the Health Promotion Unit. And the fifth presentation: “The Importance of Maintaining Good Health”, was facilitated by Dr Tivon Browne.
Dining Etiquette was the Topic for day four. Mrs Daisy Sharpe facilitated the session at the Carambola Beach Club and taught the boys about proper dining etiquette and how to show respect for oneself and others while dining.
The boys were engaged in a community initiative dubbed “Community Service is Key’ on day five. The boys completed their community service activities by distributing groceries to a number of neighbourhoods.
Also, on day 5, the focus topic was “The Deterrence of Crime,” conducted by Inspector Kevon Charles and Inspector Alanzo Carty, Head of the Nevis Division of the Police Force. The day’s final session was facilitated by Motivational Speaker Mr Ramie Gumbs, who spoke about his experiences as a prison inmate and admonished the boys to refrain from living a life of crime and violence.
On Day 6- “Skills Day.” Mr Jerry Jeffers facilitated an interactive activity and taught the boys the importance of having a skill. They also had the opportunity to power a light bulb.
The week of activities culminated with a Sunday Service held at the Jessup’s New Testament Church of God on Sunday, July 23, 2023.
