‘Believe in yourself’ – First Lady encourages children at mourning camp

First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger on Friday reassured 60 children – ages four to sixteen – who participated in a five-day bereavement camp, that despite their losses and challenges, with the relevant support, they can overcome them and still accomplish their dreams.

The First Lady made these statements at the closing ceremony of the camp, which was hosted by the Giving Hope Foundation under the theme “Miracles begin with me; I can achieve my dreams”.

Mrs Granger told the children that although they may have suffered a traumatic loss or event, they can access the support that they need to help them to cope with their grief and take the steps need to lead productive lives.

“I want you to believe in yourselves as little miracles that will grow into large successes…I think you have learnt some coping mechanisms over this week and I think you will go back home a bit stronger because you have learnt how to deal up to a point, with the things you have to face… I want you to be assured that somebody is there to lean on…there are always people who are there to assist,” Mrs Granger said.

Meanwhile, referencing the theme in his remarks, PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, encouraged the children to ‘think big’. “Don’t let negative thinking discourage you, dream of possibilities for yourself… if you work hard enough, it is possible and it can be achieved,” he said.

Additionally, in her remarks, President of the foundation, Ms Luan Gooding said over the five days the children were taught coping mechanisms, arts and craft and had one-on-one counselling sessions, among other activities.

The camp was a collaboration among the Foundation, the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion and Muneshwers Limited.

Representatives from these groups: Dr Fiona Perry, Technical Officer, Ms Pamela Nauth and Public Relations Officer, Ms Kassandra Samaroo also attended the ceremony. The ceremony was hosted at Camp Madewini, Timehri. (Extracted and modified from Ministry of the Presidency)