A partnership between a former student of the Springer Memorial School and the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust (SLCT) has delivered an initiative aimed at helping young people thrive in challenging environments.
The Live Your Truth programme was launched Thursday at Kimisha King’s alma mater where 80 copies of her book, Journey to Thirty: The naked truth, I am You!, were donated.
According to the author, the programme will help young women and men learn how to overcome testing circumstances by connecting with their identity and finding their true purpose, which is the basis of her biographical work.
SLCT trustee Phillipa Challis, said that though the partnership with King was an unusual one in many respects for the Trust, it felt it was important, particularly during this stressful period for students.
“We felt it was important to be assisting with what I see as troubling times for students and children, and teenagers particularly, in the world, but also to assist and empower a young lady who wants to contribute to the community.
“So, from the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust viewpoint, it was all-encompassing – a little bit of what I call a double hitter, whereby we were able to encourage and support an entrepreneur and also do good in the process,” she explained.
Challis added that though some readers may not agree with everything in the book, the piece offers the opportunity for students to open their minds to critical thinking, as they seek to forge paths for their future.
“It encourages you to question, it encourages you to raise issues in your own mind,” she told the students who received the books.
“Do you agree with Kimisha? Why has she taken that path? …. I think all of that is empowerment. I think all of that is encouraging you to think for yourselves.”
Principal of Springer Memorial School, Mitchelle Maxwell, expressed thanks for the donation. She said the themes in King’s book were in line with what the school aims to do for students, in helping them engage with thei true selves and talents.
“It speaks to all of the tenants that we promote on a daily basis as we connect with our students, allowing them to understand their sense of worth, that they are valued as young ladies who have the opportunity to be empowered, to make a difference in the life of the nation and, by extension, the families that they represent,” she said.
King said it is her hope that the Live Your Truth programme will touch other schools around the island soon, and help other students in their journey of selfdiscovery. (SB)
