By S.Browne. Updated 12:33 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Soroptimist International St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SISVG) hosted its annual Girls on Fire summer programme, themed “Girls Rising: Creating a Greener Future,” empowering young girls across SVG with skills and greater awareness of sustainability, food security, and health.
The programme took place from 21 to 25 July and was hosted at the SISVG Club Room in New Montrose, where the girls were empowered through dynamic workshops, real-world experiences, and mentorship.
The week began with an Opening Ceremony chaired by Sis. Peggy Da Silva, Programme Action Committee Chair, and Sis. Jane Farrell, SISVG President. Participants received remarks from Mrs. Tasheka Haynes-Bobb, Programme Manager for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Environment Project & Small Grants Programme (SGP), and a moving spoken word performance titled “Rise Up Girls!” by poet Shennika Shallow-Simmons (SSS).
Day One focused on health and safety, featuring a candid talk on puberty and period health by Ms. Odelia Thomas and Ms. Kimmette Robertson, followed by a vital session on human trafficking presented by Corporal Dopwell of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit.
Day Two addressed climate change and entrepreneurship through interactive sessions led by Mrs. Haynes-Bobb and local entrepreneur Ms. Keeta Robertson. The day concluded with a field trip to Samuel’s Farm in Lauders, where participants gained hands-on experience in agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.
On Wednesday, the girls explored the intersection of nutrition and culture with Ms. Rosemary Muckett-Burke and Ms. Ronika Douglas from the Ministry of Health. An afternoon of dance and deportment followed, guided by choreographer Ms. Annette Francois and sports coach Ms. Samantha Lynch.
Thursday’s activities took place at the Golden Years Activity Centre in Black Point. Participants shared meaningful moments with senior citizens through storytelling and a joint vegetable planting initiative led by agricultural instructors Mr. Dwayne McKenzie and Mr. Chijioke Hooper. The experience emphasised both sustainable living and intergenerational learning.
The final day began with a motivational session titled “You Are Worthy” by psychologist and wellness coach Dr. Jozelle Miller, followed by a financial literacy workshop—“Save Smart, Spend Sharp: Vincy Girls Making Financial Waves”—hosted by Mrs. Melissa Yorke-Nicholls and Mrs. Cyrstal Bynoe-Greaves of the SVG Teachers Cooperative Credit Union Ltd.
The programme concluded with a Closing Ceremony featuring certificates, tokens of appreciation, participant feedback, and an exhibit viewing.
In her closing remarks, Chairperson Sis. Peggy Da Silva reminded all in attendance that the Girls on Fire initiative is more than a programme—it is a movement for sustainable development, gender equity, and youth leadership.
SISVG stated: “Girls on Fire 2025 proved that when you invest in girls, you invest in a brighter, greener, and more equitable future. With every lesson learned and every seed planted, the flames of change continue to grow. Women empowerment is key to the survival of the future generation.”
SISVG expressed gratitude to all the teachers, participants, and organisations who donated to the club.
This information was sourced from a press release sent to us by Soroptimist International St.Vincent and the Grenadines.
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