The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

Now that his mentorship programme has reached the major milestone in being recognised as an official non-profit organisation, gospel artist Ricardo Clarke said he can demonstrate his faith in a practical way to impart wisdom to young people.

His Occupy”mentorship initiative aims to shape character, teach discipline, foster business acumen and promote health within the youth.

Core areas of the programme include education, vocation/trade, entrepreneurship, faith, philanthropy, health, financial literacy and etiquette.

Mr Clarke said being officially recognised as a non-profit means the programme will appear reliable to those in other sectors who may want to connect and partner with him.

“This move strengthens the credibility and integrity of what we are doing. Occupy is now a legal entity recognised in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, with the potential to connect and draw from other regions. This is crucial, especially as we seek to enhance ourselves and serve the persons better who are enrolled. Additionally, it displays to the wider public a desire to formalise and comply legally while serving charitably,” he told Tribune Religion. “Essentially this means that we can do more than we have ever done because we are greater than we’ve ever been.”

Mr Clarke said over the last few years Occupy has partnered with several schools to not only to develop the spiritual lives of young people, but reach them in a holistic way.

“When involved, they get soft skills encouragement, a chance to determine their vocational direction, a context to think critically and determine what life choices are best for them,” he explained.

The programme has seen several hundred students participate, with many professionals in law, banking, religion, sports, broadcasting, and journalism assisting with the initiative’s efforts.

Back in June, Mr Clarke took the programme to New York to the United Nations. During this visit he met with Ambassador Sheila Carey, who is the Bahamas’ representative to the United Nations. They discussed cultural exchange, leadership and the programme. Ambassador Carey commended the Occupy’s progress and made suggestions as to which programmes of the UN could possibly benefit from what Mr Clarke was doing.

Several events held under the programme’s umbrella have already addressed various areas of Occupy. One event in particular, “Mission Male Seed”, was held last month and attracted more than 70 young men from different communities. It featured speakers that helped educate participants on pertinent issues such as conflict resolution, discipline, identity, peer pressure and more. Additionally, several businesses and foundations have opened their doors to the programme, which gave the students an opportunity to get first-hand experience of certain jobs.

“In the coming weeks, an announcement will be made about a celebration of Occupy as an official non-profit organisation. Its vision, agenda and executive team will be highlighted,” said Mr Clarke.