THANKING A VILLAGE OF HEROES
(Please see a special list of thank you’s throughout the body of this post, as some are in addition to the Sponsor banner).
A core message of the SUMMER HEROES programme and the SUPER ME workshop is that everyone has powerful, positive potential, and that each individual has their unique ‘powers’ and contributions to make. With self-awareness and a strong sense of responsibility one can recognize one’s personal strengths and improve one’s community.
Imagine an entire community of individual heroes, the ‘village’ we reminisce and fantasize about that is important more now than ever in contemporary Trinidad and Tobago.
Heroes acting in a skit during a session by Giselle Mendez from The Volunteer Centre of Trinidad and Tobago
When a promising, corporate funder could no longer commit to their offer of support, the Super Me Workshop of 2018 was at risk of being cancelled. Two months prior to the scheduled event, a decision was made to proceed despite the possibility that the required funding would not be acquired in time.
Summer Heroes Camp Jaime Lee Loy to the far right and volunteers Back to Front left to right include Akilah Edwards Stephanie James Shana Bhajan Petra McLeod
I would like to personally thank all the sponsors and supporters who within that short time chose to contribute in whatever ways they could, and by so doing, they made the workshop possible. It was a success, and it was heartwarming and humbling to witness what a group of committed people can achieve.
Chris Riley from Three Quarter Comics working with our heroes after his session showing them how to draw a superhero
Oftentimes we wait to be helped, or we expect to be saved, or we blame others for failures we experience. This ‘village’ of people and companies chose to help, with no demands to returns or credit. We are all more influential than we think we are and I am grateful for this community of heroes.
Muhammed Muwakil from The Freetown Collective singing to our heroes, following a session on human potential and identity.
The Sponsor Banner (top of this post) includes financial and in-kind support from companies and individuals. There are other individuals who were instrumental not included on this banner and they are credited below:
Special Thanks to individuals who supported additionally:
Cheryl and Patrick Patel – notably for accomodations
Amanda and Keevin Patel
Chela Whisky
Dalia Watson
Erin Julien
Felicia Holder
Kirsty Thompson
Malini Mack
Mika Lee Loy
Sian MacLean
Yogi Bassie
Listed below are guests who offered their services for free. Most facilitators are usually paid and we are heartened by the offers (who gave without being asked) from these specific individuals who chose to visit despite our budget constraints:
Dr. Anjani Ganase – Marine Biologist
Muhammed Muwakil – The Freetown Collective
Christopher Riley – Three Quarter Comics – Cartoon Artist
Giselle Mendez – The Volunteer Centre of Trinidad and Tobago VCTT – Speaker
ELLE NYTT – Dance and Drama with Adrian Daniel, Nichol Narwani and Karian Forde
Jeunanne Alkins – Local Author and Designer
Marine Biologist Dr Anjani Ganase with her virtual reality goggles showing underwater coral reefs. This followed her session with the children and making edible corals.’
Muhammed Muwakil from The Freetown Collective with our heroes in a session focusing on positive self-identity
Christopher Riley from Three Quarter Comics with his children’s comic series MANGO CHIL’REN
Giselle Mendez from The Volunteer Centre of Trinidad and Tobago with heroes on a session promoting social responsibility
Adrian Daniel from ELLE NYTT during his dance session
Special Guest: Author Jeunanne Alkins after reading her book ‘HATCH’ about a leatherback turtle’s race to the sea. She designed and crafted turtle medals with the heroes in keeping with her story.
Volunteers:
From Summer Heroes:
Petra Mc Leod
Shana Bhajan – also from Mindful Retreats
Lead Volunteer Petra McLeod assisting heroes to choose materials for their Superhero hideouts – an art therapy exercise in making ‘safe spaces.’
Petra makes handmade paper with our heroes using shredded paper, leaves and twigs and kite paper
Mindfulness coach Shana Bhajan with Shania during a session using natural materials and discussing human potential and positive self image
Mindfulness coach Shana Bhajan with Shania during a session using natural materials and discussing human potential and positive self image
From The Yahweh Foundation:
Penelope (Penny) Camps – Director
Akuila Edwards
Kathy Ann Rodriguez
Stephanie James
Ute James
Ute James (volunteer from the Yahweh Foundation) with our heroes as they paint their superhero posters
And last but not least, we thank most importantly our heroes:
| Name | Superhero Name | Age |
| Akeida | Kitty Cat Girl |
10 |
| Antonio | Merman |
10 |
| Armani | Strong Man |
6 |
| Djanae | Wonder World Girl |
5 |
| Ezekiel | Bird Watcher Boy |
7 |
| Heema | Sea Girl |
10 |
| Iman | Starlight Nova |
10 |
| Jayden | Forest Whisperer |
11 |
| Journee | Lady Rattle |
10 |
| Kenya | Miracul |
9 |
| Micah | High Boy |
10 |
| Precious | Flower Girl |
7 |
| Rebekah | Star Girl |
10 |
| Shania | Unicorn Girl |
6 |
| Tijani | Chef Boy |
7 |