ICAJ Brings Cheer To Girls At Elsie Bemand Home - March 6, 2005

Members of the PR/Publication Committee and the ICAJ Secretariat brought joy to the 24 teenaged girls at the Elsie Bemand Girls Home when they hosted a treat and rap session for the girls on Sunday, March 6.

The treat and rap session was part of an effort initiated this year to foster greater involvement by the ICAJ with the girls at the Home. The Elsie Bemand Girls' Home is the ICAJ's sponsored charity and is supported through donations and funds generated from the ICAJ Christmas Luncheon each year.

"We are very happy for your presence. The most important and meaningful thing for us is when you take the time out to share and interact with us," said 18 year-old, Tashanie Henry, who spoke on behalf of the enthused group of teenagers, between ages 11 and 18 years.

Human Resource Consultant, Sonia Hamilton gave the girls a motivational lecture on setting goals and staying focussed in order to achieve these goals, after which they were treated to a delicious meal served by members of the ICAJ team. The ICAJ team spent the afternoon interacting with the youngsters and advising them about career and personal development issues.

The exuberance of the youngsters at having the ICAJ team interacting with them was demonstrated during a tour of the facilities when the team was regaled with stories about the significance of each living quarter and the purpose of the "big room" where the girls converge at nights to "iron out issues" or to seek counsel from each other.

The limitations or unavailability of some resources such as computers and printers to assist with the completion of assignments or the fact that they live in a place of safety have not undermined or daunted the girls. Many of them have been excelling at their studies. Tashanie, for example, successfully attained 9 subjects in the CXC Examinations and is now completing 4 subjects at Advanced Level at a high school in the Corporate area. Her long-term objective is to pursue a career in Law.

Tashanie's advice to her peers and to other young persons is that, "irrespective of your circumstance you should hold your head up high and stay focussed on your goals. The world is competitive and so getting a good education is very important. You must also strive to be the best in every area of life in order to remain competitive."

"The competition between them has been healthy and the success of one spurs the others to strive for success," states Miss Ivy Green, Supervisor at the Home. "They share a special bond and they care and look after each other's well-being," she adds.

During the treat ICAJ's Executive Director, Sidonne Whitelock, presented a cheque in the sum of $40,000 to the Home. The cheque represented amounts collected from fundraising activities at the Christmas Luncheon held last December and contributions from members.

The Elsie Bemand Girls' Home was established in 1979 through the instrumentality of Justice Ena Allen and other members of the St. Andrew Business and Professional Women's Club. The Home has served as a haven for adolescent girls who have been placed there for their care and protection by the Family Court.

During the 26 years of its existence, over 400 girls have been admitted to the Home for periods ranging from overnight to several years and during their stay the girls attend schools in the Corporate Area.

The doors of the institution have remained open thanks to the support of and donations from organisations and the commitment of the St. Andrew Business and Professional Women's Club. The ICAJ is one of the organisations, which, through the generosity of its members, continue to give hope to the girls at the Elsie Bemand Home.

As the new school term approaches we urge you to think of the girls at the Home and make donations of clothing, books and any other items.

For further information on how you can help to meet the needs of the girls, please contact the Public Relations Officer, Misha Lobban at the ICAJ Secretariat at (876) 754-9328.



Back