Guardian’s million-dollar initiative to start next month

Guardian Group has launched an initiative to help people in the Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean cope with the mental health economic effects of the ongoing pandemic.

The project themed Happytalism, is a three-month workshop starting March 1st with the objective of equipping at least 2 500 people with the knowledge to create a happier and more financially robust life amidst the current challenges.

The initiative brings to the region renowned experts with insights proven to positively transform thinking on a personal and professional level. The speakers include Tal Ben Shahar, Mohit Mukherjee and Ernie Ross.

Happytalism comprises a series of regional workshops, ten-minute talks, live one-hour sessions with experts and 30-second tips aired on radio and placed on social media using the classic Johnny Nash I can See Clearly Now for which Guardian has acquired usage rights. The series will include tips and techniques scientifically proven to help persons be more emotionally resilient and happier.

There is also the financial side to the Happytalism initiative where participants will be empowered with insights into being more innovative in their businesses and coached on  how to apply new thinking to brand development and entrepreneurship.

Persons interested in participating in the programme can register at Happytalism.me.

During the Zoom launch on Thursday, Head of Group Branding and Communications at Guardian Group Ayesha Boucaud-Claxton said as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic take a toll on persons’ mental health and ravished economies, the group has invested US$500 000 in the regional public initiative.

Boucaud-Claxton noted that over the past two years, the Group has contributed in many ways to the emerging needs of many during the pandemic.

She said Guardian has made donations to regional health institutions, given support to various police services, implanted the One Way One World and We Got this initiatives, made contributions to the World Happiness Foundation on behalf of the region, launched the Guardian Group Scholarship initiative through the United Nations-established University for Peace, in addition to hosting a Pandemic Performance Workshop series which attracted over 2 000 people.

“And here we are yet again with another huge initiative to address the key areas of mental health and financial wellbeing. It’s been a lot of months in planning and preparation to get us to this stage…

“There is no place on earth where this has been more traditionally on display than in the Caribbean. Our sunny smiles, positive point of view and radiant personalities. And as the world takes its first stumbling steps out of the pandemic, it is time to remind ourselves of that bright outlook on life,” Boucaud-Claxton said. (AH)