The Symposium addressed the best practices of mentorship programs; the general cultural considerations; youth culture; youth development; the 41 developmental assets of youth; child abuse reporting guide lines, effective screening methods for prospective mentors, steps toward effective collaboration and more.
The participants tangibly experienced transformation, inspiration and motivation to make a difference in the lives of our youth and community through the collaboration of the varying entities, spearheaded by Victorious Living.
Prime Minister Sarah Wescott Williams addressed the participants on day two of the symposium and underscored the importance of the collaborative process in reaching and empowering our youth while catering to their needs.
She emphasized how critical it is for organizations and institutions to work together at this moment in history especially as so many of our youth are tragically being killed, imprisoned and being lost through the cracks.
Participants referred to the Symposium as "impacting, transformative, empowering, encouraging and well organized." A cross section of the community was in attendance; from teachers, to nurses, business persons, volunteer mentors, and civil servants.
The symposium has become a catalyst for change as it empowered many to understand the power of effective mentoring and how many more persons can make a difference through our community of caring.
The dynamic tag team presenters, Stephanie Inyama, MBA and Sarah Kremer, ATR-BC, from California, stated that the symposium also impacted their lives and they felt as if they were also changed as a result of the process.
They commented that they are accustomed to training persons in developing their mentorship and organizational skills and leave, but this symposium has changed their lives forever. They stated that the feedback from participants whose lives were changed empowered them; and they see the symposium and the subsequent process as a movement to transform St. Maarten's 37 square miles as "doable and inspiring."
Erna Mae Francis, MA, DD, the visionary behind Victorious Living Foundation and its mentorship program shared with the participants that Victorious Living Foundation developed from seeing the hopelessness, frustration and lack of positive role models for many youth on St. Maarten. Her emotive speech touched the hearts of the attendees, many of whom see the dire need of our society; parents, Government, businesses, organizations, the Church etc. to reprioritize our focus in reaching and empowering youth through more effective methods.
One of Victorious Living's mentees, Raiza Wilson, now a radio personality, Russian Wilson on La Voix FM, 101.5 FM, shared passionately with the audience how Victorious Living's mentorship program, Family and Friends Network™ impacted her life and that the staff never gave up on her when she was at her worst.
She shared the importance of mentors staying connected to their mentees and being there for them no matter what, as they never know the impact that they can have on a youth's life. Her speech touched the attendees to their core as she frankly and passionately shared from her heart and encouraged more persons in the community to provide mentorship to our youth and support Victorious Living's efforts.
Victorious Living thanks all of its staff, mentees, mentors, partners, the media, supporters, encouragers and the 150 symposium attendees for making the event a success.
The Symposium is the first of a bi-annual event and participants will be engaged in follow up sessions to create lasting and effective change within our community as we all grapple with the issues of our community while providing tangible and effective solutions to bringing about change.
For more information about the Symposium or to sign up with Victorious Living to be a mentor or financial partner, persons may call them at 542-2663 or visit them at www.victoriouslivingsxm.org or 158 B. Back Street, Philipsburg.
