The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN Ife Bethel-Sears is hosting a silent auction of accessories and jewellery to raise funds for an all-girls camp next summer.

The silent auction will be held on July 28. It will feature accessories from designers all over the Caribbean.

From her past experience with young girls living in several communities in Nassau,  Ms Bethel told Tribune Woman why she wanted she wanted to help.

“Generally speaking, there are many girls in the Bahamas who are dealing with serious social issues,” she said.

“Some of them have been molested, some of them face early pregnancy, they do not have people in their lives to give them the proper guidance.”

Only girls in the Ninth Grade living in the Farm Road, Fort Charlotte, Bain and Grants Town communities will be able to take part in the summer camp next year. Eventually as the camp grows Ms Bethel said she intends to launch it across the communities of New Providence as well as the Family Islands.

“During the Ninth Grade girls are probably about the ages 13 or 14, and this is a very important time in their life. At this time you can help guide them. They may have an idea what they want to do and you can reach out to them by giving them some kind of guidance. Some of them are facing issues like pregnancy at an early age and in some cases there is no-one to give them hope,” she said.

“The Ninth Grade is also right before entrance into senior high school. When they get in high school they are more interested in boys and they lose focus on what they should be doing,” she said.

Ms Bethel-Sears said she selected the communities to first launch the summer camp because she is familiar with the social ills prevalent in those areas.

“A few years ago I was a camp counsellor during the AIDS Foundation’s summer camp. I had a connection with most of the girls in that community so I know exactly what some of them are going through.”

Women leaders in law, medicine and journalism will also speak to the girls, sharing their personal success stories.

“A lot of young ladies watch shows like Bad Girls Club. But they need to be exposed to women who are successful so that they can see, they too can be successful. All of them are in school but they do not see school as a way to get out of their situation,” Ms Bethel-Sears said.

“My goal is to help create leaders in the community by giving them opportunities to reach their potential.”

The summer camp will be ‘holistic’ focusing on issues like anger management, beauty, hygiene, communication, building a resume and more.

For more information emai ifjabese@gmail.com.