By Anesta Henry
Amidst a sea of applause, the theme was resilience as the nation’s social workers fixed the spotlight on the achievements of a dozen children who overcame several challenges to sit this year’s Common Entrance examinations.
The 12 took centre stage as their determination and unyielding spirit were celebrated at the Barbados Association of Professional Social Workers’ (BAPSW) second annual Resilience Awards in the Lecture Theatre of the Warrens Office Complex.
The Resilience Awards, initiated last year by the BAPSW’s Community Outreach and Advocacy Pillar, highlighted students who defied the odds and triumphed in the face of adversity during the examination, based on information supplied by primary school principals.
In a season where high achievers are the toast of the nation, the social workers chose to illuminate a different path – one that honoured the struggles and victories of 12 remarkable young souls. Social workers who selected their primary school alma mater or an affiliated school sent letters to the principals of the chosen schools to identify class 4 students who had achieved unexpected results in the exam.
Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey (left) speaking to students at this morning’s event.
Juliet Hinds, the Chairperson of the BAPSW’s Community Outreach and Advocacy Pillar, praised the principals and class 4 teachers for their invaluable support, but it was the awardees themselves who stole the show.
In addition to the trophies that now grace the homes of these young achievers, they received tangible support for their future endeavours. Each student received a $200 voucher, a gift from Abeds and the Faith Marshall Harris Sandy Lane Charitable Trust child helpline. Two awardees secured sponsorship to attend Camp Transition, a week-long programme aimed at nurturing their potential and resilience.
And the rewards didn’t stop there. The association announced that it was also shouldering the cost of textbooks and petty fees for all 12 students as they enter secondary school. The social workers also pledged to provide mentorship to these rising stars throughout the crucial first three years of their secondary school journey.
Special guest, Minister for the government’s social welfare workforce, Kirk Humphrey, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, stressed the importance of celebrating each child’s unique journey and achievements and said he was not keen on the “idea of top-performing students”.
“All of our children are to be celebrated,” Humphrey said. “All of our children are to be recognised.”
Noting that his ministry honoured students with special needs who will be entering secondary schools, Humphrey said it is important that all children be celebrated.
Humphrey added: “I think we need to celebrate all of our children. It is the most important thing that this country can do. And I say so because I know many children do not know now what it is to receive a hug on mornings. Many children do not know what it is to have a parent say I love you, or that you are doing well. I am proud of you.
“And so we in positions of authority have to be able to do that. Teachers have to do it. Community workers have to do it. Social workers have to do it. Children have to do it to other children.”
As the evening drew to a close, Hinds shared a message from Nelson Mandela, himself a beacon of resilience: “Do not judge me by my success; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
These were words that seem to encapsulate the spirit of the Resilience Awards – a tribute to those who’ve faced adversity and emerged victorious, a reminder that success is often born from perseverance, and an affirmation that every child’s journey deserves recognition.
