SERVING THE YOUTH OF EAST PORT OF SPAIN
The East POS Development Company partnered with TTASPE for a project called “Sports Plus’. The project was aimed at putting social infrastructure in place to help develop the people of the community. The project, which was recently concluded, saw the introduction of many sporting disciplines such as swimming, football, golf and basketball to create an environment of learning for the under-served youth of East Port of Spain.
Recognizing the importance of sport in facilitating human development, Sports Plus, seeks to create an environment for the youth of East POS where they can become active and learn a sporting discipline, while acquiring life skills such as self awareness, leadership, teamwork, communication, conflict resolution, anger management, goal setting, healthy lifestyles, building and sustaining positive relationships, values and career development skills; to this end the project has put together a comprehensive program for youth including, Life Skills classes, various sporting sessions, literacy and educational programs and Kicking Aids Out – a workshop intended to educate youth about HIV/AIDS through peer education.
The program was geared toward youth between the ages of 16 – 25 and included both male and female participants.
As the project came to a close on Friday, April 3 rd, participants gave feedback about the project in the form of testimonials and reports. Here we share some of the feedback…
TESTIMONIAL
By a participant
When I decided to join the SportsPlus program football and swimming were the only things I was really enthusiastic about, however when the life skills sessions began my interest was totally drawn towards it. It made me realize how important hard work and dedication is and that they go hand-in-hand.
I have also come to realize that achievement doesn’t come from what you dream to achieve but by a lot of hard work, determination and faith in God. I also learnt of the different barriers I may encounter on the road to success from time to time and how to avoid these barriers from getting in the way of me achieving my goals – sometimes we may have to make sacrifices in life in order to accomplish our dreams, but at the end it pays off well.
Before I attended these life skills sessions I used to think of how much I can achieve, but now I’m thinking of how much I can give to my community after I have achieved my goal. So always remember that giving is the secret of a healthy life and as long as you commit to the Lord whatever you do, all your plans will succeed.
