Projects

PRESIDENT’S REVIEW 2010-2011

As I reflect on the past twelve months, I wish to thank the executive and each and every one of my fellow sisters, friends and “Soroptimisters” who have worked along with me and SIPOS in maintaining the overarching vision of keeping the flagship Club established 52 years ago afloat and sailing smoothly. 

I stand here today pleased to account for my stewardship, service and dedication to you my sisters and the various organisations we serve.  It has been a hectic year mixed with projects, fundraisers, strategic planning and fun.

One year ago I stood before you and promised to take up the mantle of leadership to ensure that there was growth in our membership and an increase in our projects and activities.  We have seen the induction of six new talented women and another six with expressed interest in joining our Club all with a spirit of service and love for humanity and country with a wonderful mix of talents and skills which they have already begun utilizing in various ways during the past few months.  Welcome ladies!

Our major project the Senior Activity Centre in partnership with the Ministry of the People and Social Development renewed our contract with the Ministry and hence we obtained an increase in our subvention and an expansion in the overall programme.  Participants are all pleased with the various activities and events that they are able to enjoy from this expanding project.

A new project for us was the partnering with the Eternal Light Community to re-establish the Mary Care Centre for pregnant teenage mothers.  I am proud to say with the help of Sister Dorrell and Sister Marian that the lengthy selection process of obtaining and training staff and the executive of Mary Care was conducted.  We have maintained a significant role with this Centre as we have members counseling the girls and members on the executive.  We contributed in providing them with a vegetable and fruit garden in March for our Saturday Day of Service which has already begun enhancing their daily meals.  There is much more team work to be done with these youth and I look forward to expanding our efforts with these young ladies.

Another highlight for me was the celebration of International Day of Peace with a Prayer Service led by Fr. Clyde Harvey followed by the Peace Walk to the Jerningham Avenue Bridge to symbolize with the many other clubs who also celebrated this event internationally “bridging the gap between peace and violence”.  It was a beautiful evening with members: walking with the peace banners, the testimonies of individuals on the bridge, the release of white pigeons to symbolize peace flowing to the four corners of Trinidad and Tobago and culminating with the lighting of the peace candles  which represented  our efforts at bringing greater light to the Nation.  It is said “light your candle and carry it to your brother or sister who may be in dire need of someone to talk to, laugh with or in need of counsel”.  It was certainly an event which we hope to repeat this year.
SIPOS was well represented as part of the Trinidad and Tobago contingent to the SIGBI Federation Conference in Manchester in October, 2010.  The theme was “Accept the Challenge, Secure the Future.” It was truly a wonderful experience where I participated in the controversial debates both regionally and internationally to bring about change in the new structure for SIGBI.  The conference was fast paced and informative providing significant experience in best practices occurring globally.

Our major fund raiser continued to be the annual Tea Party which was set in a wonderfully new setting at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and saw the rekindling of many friendships as our sister clubs, friends and family participated in the enjoyable evening with good music, wonderful entertainment, and great food.  We look forward to an equally enjoyable evening later this year.

In closing may I express my thanks for the support given as we worked as a family and lived as a team.  The success and achievement of 2010-2011 came about as the result of the commitment, dedication and loyalty of each of you team members and the truism of “strength in unity” is indeed a fact in SIPOS.  Keep up the great work ladies!

Darlene Smith
Darlene Smith

 

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