The Sandals Foundation has partnered with the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus to deliver a transformative six-month programme aimed at preparing Barbados’ youth for success. Named “Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges,” the initiative, supported by a US $60,000 donation from the Sandals Foundation in collaboration with Rock Hard Distribution, is set to benefit 525 students from 21 secondary schools across the island, teaching skills in personal branding, financial literacy, conflict resolution, and more.
The programme is designed to provide students aged 16 to 19 with crucial soft skills, preparing them for both the workforce and higher education. Schools to be engaged include Alleyne, Alexandra, Coleridge & Parry, Frederick Smith, Grantley Adams, Graydon Sealy, Lester Vaughan, Parkinson Memorial, Princess Margaret, St. George Secondary, Springer Memorial, The Ellerslie, and The St. Michael School.
"When we empower young minds with the skills they need to succeed," shared Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, "we're not just planting seeds for their personal growth—we're cultivating the future of an entire region.”, “This programme, Clarke continued, “provides a unique avenue to help equip young people on how to confidently take their place in the next chapter of their lives. Building their capacity to express themselves, engage with each other, manage conflicts, negotiate, and build relationships to strengthen their capacity to operate in the world of work as well in their academic pursuits. That is a goal firmly supported by the Sandals Foundation. We are very happy to be able to work with Rock Hard Distribution to make this possible.”
“Equipping our students with the tools for success goes beyond academic achievements," said Dr. Francis Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Global Campus, "It’s about instilling confidence, resilience, and the ability to adapt in a rapidly changing world. Together we can empower Barbadian youth.”
The Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges programme began in 2015 reaching students across 12 schools. Targeting sixth form students in areas of communication, presentation skills, team building, leadership skills, time management skills, critical thinking, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Students also gained work experience through internships with Barbados Beach Club, DGM Financial Management and UWI Open Campus, to name a few.
"The PTTFTC programme transformed my life in ways I never imagined," said Jazzmin Rowe, President of the Barbados Association of Future Office Professionals. "It took me from being a shy, reserved student to developing critical skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership. Today, I am proud to say that the programme continues to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed. It has not only shaped my future but the futures of many others who now hold leadership roles in their fields."
The CHTA Education Foundation (Education Foundation) is excited to return to Barbados after a 4-year hiatus and bring our highly successful ‘Caribbean Supercharged Service’ training workshops to Barbados next week.
Karolin Troubetzkoy, Chair of the CHTA Education Foundation remarked ‘I am pleased with the caliber of workshops being offered to the tourism and hospitality industry in Barbados. There is something for everyone, however established or new you are.’ She continued ‘the Education Foundation can guarantee you energetic, practical and relevant content delivered in an inclusive manner that will allow each participant to immediately return to work and sparkle’.
The CHTA Education Foundation is most grateful to Sandals Foundation continuing partnership and sponsoring our Barbados event. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director, was “particularly pleased that training is happening in Barbados after the earlier challenges of Hurricane Beryl, and it offers a great opportunity to re-focus, energize and uplift’.
Trainers Louise & Suzanne are pleased to return to the Local Partner, Island Inn Hotel, who offer great food, friendly service and a comfortable conference space.
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.”
The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International in collaboration with Unique Vacations UK and other important agencies on the ground, is thrilled to announce the Island Challenge 2024. This event, which will take place over four days in October, aims to raise USD $100,000 to support paediatric healthcare at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and to provide healthcare assistance to communities in the Southern Grenadine Islands affected by Hurricane Beryl.
The Island Challenge is not just a physical test; it is a mission to bring hope and healing to some of the most vulnerable communities in the Caribbean. Over 4 days, the participants will take on a 50-mile challenge across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which includes a half marathon around Bequia, a series of long distance runs, sea kayaking, and a challenging hike up La Soufrière, the island’s active volcano.
“We were absolutely over the moon with the success of the inaugural Sandals Foundation Island Run – Antigua 2023,” says Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation “The dedication and support from the runners were unmatched, and the effort that the team put into the event, from the planning stages right through to the 100-kilometer run itself, was simply incredible. This year, we are determined to inspire more hope. The funds raised will go directly to providing essential medical equipment for infants. I can’t wait to see what the team achieves in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines this year and what crazy challenges they come up with next!”
Karl Thompson, Managing Director of Unique Vacations UK, added: “We decided to host the Island Challenge in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to continue the great work we did in 2023 to raise funds for essential medical equipment for paediatric facilities in the Caribbean. Sandals Resorts recently opened a new resort in Saint Vincent, and it’s always been part of the brand’s ethos to immerse itself and support the local communities. Following the passing of Hurricane Beryl, we also wanted a portion of the money raised to provide healthcare assistance in the Southern Grenadine islands.
"Deep commitment to the well-being of the communities that surround us drives everything we do,” said Tamon Allen, Resort Manager at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. "It is an honor to host the Island Challenge knowing that every mile we run, every stroke we paddle, and every step we take brings us closer to a brighter future for the children and families of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This event is not just about raising funds; it’s about uniting the community for a cause that touches us all. The support from our local partners, the dedication of our team, and the spirit of the participants show that when we come together, we can achieve something truly remarkable. We are excited to see the positive change this challenge will bring to our healthcare facilities and the lives of so many."
The Island Challenge 2024 is proudly supported by sponsors such as The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Health, Virgin Atlantic, Good Housing, Air Canada Vacations, TripAdvisor, Corpay, Mail Metro Media Group, Accord Marketing, and TTG Media. The goal is to exceed last year’s impressive USD $100,000 fundraising mark.
“The Island Challenge is a remarkable event, but what truly excites me is the opportunity for wider community involvement through the Family Fun Day on October 13th. This day is about more than just coming together; it’s about engaging with our community in a meaningful way. It’s a chance for families to connect, support one another, and contribute to a cause that will benefit our children and future generations. The compassion I see in our community is truly inspiring, and I believe that by uniting, we can ignite lasting change. Change that will help our youngest and most vulnerable, giving infants a healthier start at life.” said the Minister of Health, St. Clair “Jimmy” Prince.
The Sandals Foundation invites everyone to join in this cause, whether by choosing to participate in the family fun day, donating, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.
