Models with a cause - Models who seek to spread an inspirational message to the nation s youth - pictured from left to right - Claudette Woodside, Jewel Carey, Lynelle Brennen, Tonya Laramore and Zoya Forbes. Missing from photo- Emilio Smith and Gaichelle Ferguson

Published On:Tuesday, February 16, 2010

By CARA BRENNEN-BETHEL

Tribune Features Editor

cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

A dynamic group of young women with the help of an equally dynamic young man is seeking to reach their peers with an inspirational message of self confidence by encouraging them to simply BU.

Lynelle Brennen and Jewel Carey, two of the Earth Angels models involved recently sat down with Tribune Woman to discuss the programme which seeks to foster positive character in young people.

The modeling company wants to be more than just pretty faces, "We want to be models with a cause." Inspiring young ladies is something Lynelle is passionate about. "This project seeks to reach women through fashion and music, something almost all girls are interested. And what sets us apart is that we can relate to them. I came from a single parent home and so I grew up in the 'ghetto' so I understand what they may be going through. But what we want to tell them is, it doesn't matter where you come from, you will get there someday.

The girls explained that there are eight members in BU each with a different platform or cause they wish to spotlight. Jewel's cause - autism awareness is personal, as her 4- year- old brother was diagnosed with the condition. " I want people to be aware of the fact that autism is a disorder and not a disease and that there are ways that people who have it are able to communicate non-verbally. My job is to help others understand autism and give an idea of the signs people should look out for. I do this through my facebook page and on a weekly blog."

One of the first events the group plans is a visit to the Girls Industrial School in early March. Eventually other schools and organisations will be targeted.

" We hope that we will be able to speak to them about female issues, such as fashion. We also are looking to take a female performer with us so that we can encourage those girls who are artistic to develop their talents," Lynelle said.

" Too many times, people are told that they must enter fields like medicine or law to make money, But many people are artistic or creative and so we want to let them know that you don't have to be 'book smart', you can just go for it."

Jewel added," We want to make fashion, culture more of a staple in the economy and to help generate revenue. It takes visionary minds to do this."

The BU campaign will include a different motivational poster every two months. The first one encourages young ladies to resist temptation. It features a Garden of Eden setting and the words: It's Hard Being Tempted, Have Courage BU. They are also working on a public service announcement to be played on local TV stations.

Jewel said, "We want to encourage young people to get involve in activities that will better themselves and we want to show that there can be positive things to put in the paper other than crime. We want to encourage persons to embrace the family structure and to encourage more men to become role models for young people. We want to give them the message that they never have to conform to society's ideals. You can never have enough programmes and activities that target young people."

To date, the group has received quite a following with a facebook fan base of more than 2,000 persons.