It has been five months since Queen of Carnival 2009 and Jaycees Caribbean Queen 2009, Shelana George, first began the implementation of the Big Sister Programme within the Sunshine Home for Girls. It has been a busy five months, filled with activities and one-on-one mentoring with the young ladies of the home. The programme has nine big sisters; a combination of caring smart women that are prominent figures in their communities.

In December 2009, the girls were treated to a Christmas party, where they were given gifts and paired with their big sisters. In early 2010, they enjoyed a barbecue at the home in Johnson’s Point, which was hosted by the big sisters. It was an afternoon filled with fun, food and games, as everyone interacted with each other, enjoying the benefits that come with female fellowship. Some of the big sisters in attendance were soca diva Claudette “CP” Peters, media personality Brucella Marsha, Miss. St. Pauls 2009 Monifa Browne, and Miss. Independence Homecoming Queen 2008 now Queen of Carnival 2010 contestant Daina Barnes. The meal was prepared by the big sisters, who enjoyed catering to their little sisters. The evening ended with everyone enjoying board games, laughing and talking as they intermingled with each other.

Many of the little sisters have had quite a number of one-on-one activities with their mentors. The young ladies have been taken to the homes of their big sisters, and enjoyed activities such as concerts and fun days. The main aim of the Big Sister programme is to foster the positive development of the girls, providing them with that extra encouragement to motivate them. In our communities, we have all unfairly tagged the young ladies of the home as troublemakers, which is unfortunate, as they are actually very bright young women that just act out of the sheer need for attention, love and guidance. The road to building these positive relationships have been challenging, but have proven quite successful. The big sisters work along with the caretakers of the little sisters, ensuring that the young ladies follow the rules set at the home. Discipline, honesty and good behaviour are mandated by the programme.

It is the hope of programme director, Shelana George, that the continual growth of the Big Sister intiative will encourage more person’s in the community to do their part in steering the youths of the country unto the path of success. Over the next few months, the little sisters will continue to engage in meaningful activities that will foster their development. For anyone wishing to become a sponsor of the programme please feel free to contact Shelana through her email address shelana_g@hotmail.com. The youth are our future, let us continue to motivate them to live up to use their abilities to ensure that they realise their full capabilities.