Excited to share a recap of how the first month is going for the Future Project at Sir McChesney George Secondary School! Please enjoy the following update below from Allyson Trunzer
Dear Coco Point Board,
We are nearing the end of our first month at Sir McChesney George Secondary School and it’s been an incredible start to the school year!!
Darlene and I have met so many bright and inspired minds who are excited about the presence of The Future Project Barbuda and enthusiastic about making a difference in their school and greater community!
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
Jonathan (Form 1 Student), came to us on the first day of school, curious about what The Future Project Barbuda was all about. He mentioned his interest in becoming an engineer AND his current passion of growing fruits. Jonathan grows anything he can- citrus, avocados, mangos- you name it! He’s noticed food shortages on the island, and is moved to fill this gap. Jonathan is motivated to acquire a piece of land near the school to grow local fruits for his peers and the greater community! He has been meeting with Darlene (our incredible Future Coach!) weekly and working on a proposal to submit to the Barbuda Council.
The other day, Janaecia (Form 4 Student) highlighted that the school hadn’t promoted Suicidal Prevention Awareness Month and that she wanted to do something about it. As mental health is highly stigmatized in Barbuda (and the Caribbean), Janaecia wants to be a voice and shine light on the matter. On Monday, September 30th, Janaecia and her friend, Naora, plan to distribute over 100 handmade solidarity ribbons to her fellow peers to advocate for mental health in Barbuda and around the world!
We have established a safe, common space! The Future Project Barbuda has refreshed the look of the library, making it the new “place to be.” In addition to facilitating the “Library Skills” classes, The Future Project Barbuda Team supervises the library during free periods, which has brought a lot of new faces through the door! Students typically come to relax, work independently, do an activity, or just come by to say “hello!” This has improved unwanted loitering and idling on school grounds, and encouraged students to be more productive. We’re happy to be able to support this!
We are launching after school sessions! The Future Project Barbuda will be hosting “Portfolio Building Sessions” for 4th and 5th form students over the course of the year! Interested students will meet with us on Fridays to engage in skill-building activities, career exploration, community service opportunities, and gain support in post-secondary plans. We hosted an information session and had a great turn out of over half the 4th form class! We look forward to supporting the students as they build the futures they desire!
Our team is growing! We warmly welcome Pastor Elliott (of the Seventh Day Adventist Church) to SMGSS as our Future Mentor!! Pastor Elliott comes with vast experiences working with young people across the Caribbean and abroad, and specializes in gang interventions. As we saw a need for male representation on our team, Pastor Elliott was the perfect fit who will work primarily with the Form 3 Victory Class (all male students ages 12-16). We truly look forward to the collaboration and positive influence he will have on the students!
Word of TFP Barbuda is spreading! The Future Project Barbuda was recently featured in The Daily Observer, Antigua and we are grateful for the opportunity to share the mission and intentions of the project! We have already made new connections through this feature which we look to further develop!
SMGSS celebrated 19 years! On Thursday, September 19th, Sir McChesney George Secondary School celebrated nineteen years since it was founded in 2005. The school hosted the event at Pentecostal Church which included a beautiful service of prayer and song, guest speakers, and awards! Students were awarded for their outstanding performances in academics. Additionally, Mrs. Esther Mussington was awarded for her 35 years of service in education! We are extremely proud of all the recipients as the school continues to “build a culture of excellence.”
STILL TO COME….
- More Extracurriculars! We are looking to launch more student-led/ teacher-supervised extracurriculars throughout the year! At this time, SMGSS desperately needs a Building Tech Teacher to engage students (mainly males) through technical trade. Should this position be unfulfilled, TFP Barbuda will look to add related after school workshops targeting male students.
- The Future Project Barbuda Team will launch 1:1 and small group coaching sessions for students in October!
- Class Support Resources will be arriving in Barbuda soon and will be distributed to the teachers next month!
We are incredibly fortunate to bring The Future Project Barbuda to life because of your support! Thank you Coco Point Fund for your unwavering contributions and commitment to this project!
-The Future Project Barbuda Team
