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.

FLATTENED BANNER SH 2018 WORKSHOP SPONSORS

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

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

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

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.'

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

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

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

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

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 Superheroe hideouts - an art therapy excercise in making 'safe spaces.'

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

Mindfulness coach Shana Bhajan with Tobago heroes

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