The Editor
The Anguillian
March 6, 2012
Dear Editor,
With the recent incidents of violence involving our youth, I wanted to share information about a very positive program that several of our young people are currently involved in. I was privileged to attend an award ceremony on Monday evening at the Governor’s home in which nine students at Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School were honored for their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award program. The object of this program is to provide an introduction to worthwhile leisure activities and volunteer service as a challenge to the individual to discover the rewards of helping others by encouraging participants to show imagination, look beyond barriers and to set goals.
There are several different activities that these youths are involved in, and my experience involved working with them as volunteers at the Anguilla Animal Rescue Foundation’s Shelter located at Morlens Veterinary Clinic. Not only did these young people commit their time and their care, but many gave more than was expected and I am so proud to have met and worked with this amazing group. I also would like to commend Ms. Tessa Oudkerk who first managed the program, and Ms Uldean Trim the current award unit leader for all their work in organizing this program.
I hope that through this program these students will learn the joy of volunteering. The reward is not monetary and the appreciation for your time is often not shown, but the internal, individual satisfaction of giving of yourself with no expectations is one that is irreplaceable.
Congratulations and thank you to the following Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Winners:
Hackeem Alves, Immario Harrigan, Romaro Richardson, Sherrod Richardson, Keano Romney, Isabel Rosario, Sonnisha Ruan, Paul Trim & Leon Vanterpool.
Suzie Donahue
Anguilla Animal Rescue Foundation
