The Power to Be

Literacy students ages 7 to 10 years old who are part of The Power to Be International summer camp 2012 were left empowered and in high spirits by a visit to the campsite from the Sandals Foundation at the Negril All-Age School last Wednesday in honour of Nelson Mandela Day.

The session held under the theme 'Take Action, Inspire Change, make every day a Nelson Mandela Day' saw members of the foundation exploring through PowerPoint presentation, movie clips and literacy game: the life, legacy and lessons to be gained from Nelson Mandela.

MANDELA'S EXAMPLE

"Mandela helped people for 67 years of his life, and likewise we should use his values of equality, freedom, leadership, respect and teamwork in how we treat others every day" said Dania Phang, a member of the Sandals Foundation team, as she encouraged the Power to Be International student campers in an interactive session.

Founders and executive directors of the Canada-based charity, Power to Be International, Kisha McPherson and Lynn Williams had high praises of thanks and appreciation for the generosity and kindness of the Sandals Foundation, who also took hot lunches for the students.

"We really appreciate what they did today, it's not always easy to get major companies to come and engage our campers, as well as contribute, and it meant a lot to the students who truly enjoyed the activities and learnt much," expressed Williams.

Power to Be

McPherson added, "Our slogan 'Helping youth discover their Power to Be' is no doubt in alignment with today's theme. It relates to Nelson Mandela's vision for the youth, especially those in similar circumstances as he had experienced; as many of our student campers here are underserved and impoverished."

The Power to Be International, which started in 2009, is the brainchild of executive directors Kisha McPherson and Lynn Williams, who wanted to give back to the country of their parents. In just three years, the organisation and charity has grown rapidly to include a multitude of international and local programmes such as the annual summer camp, which is geared at literacy, leadership, training and empowerment for the youth. They have also embarked on infrastructural developments and recently opened a new GSAT centre at the Negril All-Age School.