Dear Coco Point Fund Friend,
We hope this letter finds you well. Excuse the lengthy update; but this past Fall has been transformative to the children of Barbuda and there is MUCH wonderful news to share!
Over the past year the Coco Point Fund vowed to become more resolute in our efforts to change education in Barbuda. Through much planning over the summer, we deployed a program through The Future Project, which has become a major partner with us to transform the lives of students at Sir McChesney George Secondary School — and, most excitingly, to empower them to transform Barbuda and take increasing ownership over its future.
The Future Project (thefutureproject.org) is an innovative, award-winning not-for-profit organization that trains extraordinary leaders in the community — who excel as coaches, life educators, igniters of passion and purpose, and role models of motivation and grit — to serve inside the school as Future Coaches for the young people.
These Future Coaches in turn provide students with individual and group mentorship designed to support them as they navigate life, explore their dreams for the future, and take steps toward bringing those dreams to life. More tangibly, coaches help students find personalized internships, connect with experts who can expose them to careers that may interest them, and give them opportunities to launch projects that improve their school and community. The Future Coaches also partner with community leaders and organizations to bring new extracurricular and leadership opportunities to the school, which both adults and students agreed was one of the biggest needs at Sir McChesney George. Young people emerge from this programming not only motivated personally, but also inspired to serve, lead, and improve the lives of others.
The program, launched in September with much fanfare, is being led by Allyson Trunzer, one of our very own scholarship recipients who returned to the island for this role. Over the past two months, our team of paid Future Coaches have held dozens of in-depth coaching sessions, started to offer workshops and educational experiences multiple times a week, provided support to teachers for basic supplies through a small Teacher Dream Fund, transformed the library space so it feels more safe and welcoming for students, and formed (or are in the process of forming) partnerships to bring music, robotics, academic support, dance, and other extracurricular offerings onto the campus. Plus, in response to an enthusiastic request from the principal and students alike, we have put plans in place to construct a new sports court on the school grounds over the next several months.
Most importantly, students are already exploring their interests and launching passion-inspired projects. For example, one student (Jonathan) has begun constructing a garden on school grounds to grow fruit for the community. Another (Janaecia) organized an effort to honor Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and educate her peers about mental health issues back in September. And a third (Horashio) will be traveling to Antigua for a boxing tournament with the support of The Future Project’s micro-internship fund. In just two months, there is a new energy in the school — and we are seeing dreams of both students and teachers emerge and come to life in the community.
We also wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for those of you who have supported of CocoPoint Fund in the past. Since hurricane Irma in 2017 your generous contributions have made a significant impact on our students and teachers.
This new program with the Future Project is an opportunity to give the students and families a chance to grow their lives in ways never available to them before. Your support will help us ensure that our students have the resources they need to reach their full potential. We invite you to be a part of our journey by donating today.
Thank you again for your generosity and partnership.
Sincerely,
The Coco Point Fund Board of Directors:
Mike Smith, Craig Henderson, Joan M. Minshall, Tim Coleman, Emily Sommerfield Kunschner, Werner Minshall, Jeff Reed, Kerry Binard
For inquiries please contact: [email protected]
Contributions via Check may be mailed to:
“The Coco Point Fund”
C/O Joan Minshall
12 Oxford St
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
*Please make checks payable to The Coco Point Fund
If you need assistance donating through another financial vehicle please contact:
Joan M. Minshall at [email protected]
