Teen mothers attending the Providing Access to Continued Education (PACE) in Nassau will now benefit from cosmetology training and certification to bolster their livelihood opportunities thanks the opening of a Cosmetology Lab made possible by the Sandals Foundation.
The investment, valued at just over US $30,500 involved the retrofitting of an old building on the grounds of the PACE headquarters to provide a space for expecting mothers to learn hair dressing, make-up, and nail technology. The skills are intended to provide a sustainable source of income for young mothers by improving their employability and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held on Friday August 30, Principal at PACE, Patrice Miller says, “This Lab is for training our students not just for the work force but to become business owners and to help them prepare a lifestyle for themselves and their babies.”
Emphasizing the importance of technical education and certification, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Lorraine Armbrister says the empowerment of young ladies in cosmetology is very important.
“While we accept that all children must be literate and numerate we know that not all children are the same. The goal of the Ministry of Education is to ensure that every child is self-empowered, self-fulfilled and that they have what they need [to] achieve. Initiatives like this go a long way to make sure these young women … go on and do great things with their lives.”
Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at the Sandals Foundation says the philanthropic organization is committed to the empowerment of women and facilitating conditions that propel them to thrive.
“Our teen mothers need that second chance to create a solid framework for their lives. The addition of the Cosmetology Lab opens new doors for employment, entrepreneurship and ultimately – sustainably earning a living…not only for themselves but their new family.”
In a sobering testimonial, PACE graduate, Aliyah Bane shared how her life has been transformed by the programme. “My journey at PACE has elevated me to higher heights. Not only was I equipped with the skills necessary to become a wonderful mother, but I was also able to enhance my skills in hair braiding, needle work, cosmetology and culinary arts. I encourage any young lady in my situation to never give up and to utilize the service at PACE to support them in their life journey to success.”
As a Caribbean organization, the Sandals Foundation is committed to our mandate to use the power of our network to provide hope to families. Hurricane Beryl has caused significant infrastructural damage to communities in the Eastern Caribbean as well as the south coast of Jamaica, leaving many families unsure about their next move.
Join us as we lend a hand to Carriacou, Petite Martinique, the Grenadine communities of Union Island, Bequia, Mayreau, and Canouan, as well as certain areas of the south coast of Jamaica.
Already, we have begun our first relief mission:
In St. Vincent
● Water has been delivered and consigned to the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).
● We have partnered with the local disaster emergency agency to deliver first relief items to be distributed in the communities of Bequia, Mayreau, Union Island and Canouan.
● Our ongoing partnership with UK’s emergency and crisis response charity has a team travelling to Barbados and Union Island in the Grenadines for a Reconnaissance mission as well as disaster & volunteer efforts.
In Grenada
● Water has been delivered and distributed to outer island of Carriacou through Grenada.
● Through our partnership with Food For the Poor, we are supporting the transportation of essential relief supplies, including tarpaulins, blankets, flashlights, ropes, nails, feminine hygiene kits, and wash kits, to Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
In Jamaica
● Containers of water and tarpaulins have been shipped to support communities in Jamaica’s south coast.
● Through our partnership with Lasco Chin Foundation, we are providing funding for relief supplies for 550 food packages to families in Portland Cottage + coastal St. Elizabeth farming community.
● We are working hand in hand with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) to identify and address the greatest needs of the fishers. Together, we aim to help them get back on their feet and continue their essential work in their communities.
We are Caribbean strong and will continue to mobilize our network in this time of need.
Join us in our mission. Funds are urgently needed to purchase emergency relief supplies as well as to invest in mid to long term recovery and rebuilding efforts on these islands.
The Sandals Foundation has won the coveted Social Responsibility Award of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA).
Held at the Gallagher, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International was recognized for its decade-long efforts implementing sustainable development projects in the core areas of education, community, and the environment.
General Manager of Sandals Barbados Mr. Surinder Kahlon was present to accept the award with some members of his resort management team said, “Awards are very special no matter the category. But this one touches all of us deeply as it recognizes the hard work and commitment we have shown to the people of Barbados -investing in the island’s education institutions and infrastructure, engaging youth far and wide, providing second chances through skills training and certification, strengthening food security efforts, supporting the conservation through the management of our national Park, and providing critical equipment and services for pediatric healthcare.
“On behalf of my entire team we humbly accept this award and will continue to be a source of inspiration to the people of Barbados,” said Surinder.
Heidi Clarke, Executive Director, Sandals Foundation called the award an honor and pledged to continue working for the betterment of lives in Barbados.
“It is truly an honor for the Sandals Foundation to be recognized by the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association for our commitment to Social Responsibility. This acknowledgment reflects the hard work and dedication of our valued team members, guests, and local partners working together. We appreciate the support of the BHTA and remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a better future for Caribbean nationals,” said Clarke.
The Sandals Foundation is a non-profit organization launched in March 2009 to help Sandals Resorts International continue to make a difference in the Caribbean.
All costs associated with administration and management is supported by Sandals International so that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly towards funding impactful and meaningful initiatives within their key areas.
It was a fairytale ending to the 4th staging of the Sandals Golf and Jerk Festival held at the Upton Estate Golf and Country Club on Saturday, June 15 as present and former members of the Sandals Foundation’s Care for Kids Junior Golf Programme, 12 year old Cavani James, and 21 year old Tajay Lobban beat just under 100 seasoned adult golfers at the fourth staging of the annual fundraising event.
The festival which seamlessly combines the authentic Jamaican jerk cuisine with the prowess of golf aims to raise funds to support the Urology Department at the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital as well as the foundation’s Care for Kids Junior Golf programme –providing mentorship, and key life skills to young men and women ages 7 to 18years old.
Jerk teams, sponsored by The Best Dressed Chicken and Rainforest, saw members from Sandals Dunn’s River Resort, Sandals Royal Plantation, Beaches Ocho Rios Resort and Sandals Upton Estate Golf and Country Club going toe to toe with unique chicken, shrimp and fish recipes. In an effort to continue its youth engagement commitment, all jerk teams also comprised students of the St. Ann’s Chapter of the HEART/ NSTA Trust’s hospitality school.
Other notable sponsors, include Digicel, Caribbean Producers Jamaica, ATL Automotive, Trade Winds Citrus, and CIBC Caribbean. See below linked photos captioned.
