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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com International
Anna
Martin and Christopher Fernander left The Bahamas on August 31, to
attend the International Gold Event (IGE) - an intensive training and
character building forum that helps youths further develop their
leadership skills. The event runs from September 2-16.
This
year's IGE brings together 150 outstanding youths from across the globe
who are members of the International Awards Association (IAA). Among
other things they will discuss how the Award programme promotes youth
development in their respective countries.
Funding
for the trip is provided by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's
G.O.L.D. Initiative - the brand for the three-year partnership between
the government and the GGYA. The initiative is providing the
youth programme with the necessary resource to take the GGYA
nation-wide.
Once
participants have successfully completed hiking expeditions, fulfilled
certain hours of community service obligations, mastered new skills and
engaged in a physical activity of their choice, they are eligible for a
Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.
As
a member of the IAA, an organization which attracts almost eight
million young persons from over 132 countries, the GGYA has the
opportunity to dispatch its top youth leaders to international
gatherings such as the IGE.
"Both Gold
Award Holders are highly recommended, well disciplined, intelligent and
creative," said the GGYA's national director, Denise Mortimer. "They
have been involved in the program from the age of 14, and have not only
achieved their Gold Award but have also proven their dedication to the
program via their mentorship to younger members."
In
Africa, the two Bahamians are gaining exposure to a variety of issues
relevant to the programme. They will meet the programme's leaders and
volunteers, in addition to acquiring valuable career skills.
"I
expect both Anna and Christopher to bring much to the table," said Ms
Mortimer. "Their mentoring skills will be sharpened as well as their
ability to further promote the GGYA programme in The Bahamas."
Since
its establishment in 1987, around 8,000 Bahamians have passed through
the programme formerly known as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
"It's
an amazing opportunity to be chosen to represent our National Award,"
said Anna Martin, who currently serves as president of the GGYA Gold
Award Holder Association.
"When
I think of the diversity of the people who will be attending - all
coming together for one common goal to discuss this distinguished
programme and being in the company of the HRH, The Earl of Wessex
Prince Edward - words can't express how excited I am."
The special education major at The College of The Bahamas felt honoured to be chosen for this "once in a life time experience."
Fernander, the GGYA Gold Award Holder Association's vice president, expressed similar sentiments.
"I
feel blessed because of the exposure I will gain," said Fernander, a
member of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. "I don't think I would have
ever had the opportunity to have this experience on my own."
During
the trip Fernander hopes to gain a better understanding of the
programme at an international level and, via networking, impart the
knowledge he has gained to his global peers and local youths coming up
in the GGYA programme.
Touting
the fact that the programme produces "well rounded individuals," he
encouraged other young persons to become active in the GGYA.
To find out more about the partnership between the GGYA and the Ministry G.O.L.D Initiative call 326-1760 or emailggya@coralwave.com
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