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DRUG ACTION SERVICE OF THE BAHAMAS I'm Special Program Impressions
The
Bahamas are SPECIAL Islands From
Oct 13-15, 2004, I had a wonderful opportunity to work with 25 committed, caring
folks on the Bahamian Island of Andros. Drug Action Service, sponsored
and coordinated a unique "I'm Special" Training Workshop, which
included teachers, counselors, social workers, law enforcement, clergy and
public officials. "I'm
Special" is not new to the Bahamas. A number of years ago, three key people
received training in "I'm Special" and have trained teachers on
several islands. Kayla Burrows and Jeffrey Dennis of Drug Action Service, NASSAU,
coordinated a myriad of arrangements and organized a detailed training workshop,
held at The Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina in Central Andros. No one
complained when we held the training in a transformed "hotel room." No
one complained when meals were delayed or the schedule changed. Surprisingly,
the participants and the hotel staff were flexible, accommodating, joyful and
receptive. I might add that the food was 4-star quality. I was reminded that
"island time" and the urban rush are different ends of the spectrum.
What really matters is the personal and authentic connection! Andros folks
understand the human element. The
"I'm Special" training workshop was a rewarding success. Most
of the participants were not unfamiliar with "Pm Special" program.
They believe in the power of affirmation, of support and of maintaining a
positive, kind interaction with youth. Many had chosen to come to the training
because of their knowledge of "I'm Special's" effectiveness.
The participants were delighted to strengthen their facilitation skills and
learn strategies for working with youth. Jeff Dennis told island stories of "I'm
Special experiences and embellished the drug information portion of the
training. Participants were involved and vested. On Friday, all the participants
played a role in the final day facilitation of activates. We had energizers that
sounded like cheers at a ballgame, songs that drifted out to sea and 25 happy
folks, ready to help each child realize his or her specialness. As an added
treat, the training culminated in a Closing Lunch Ceremony, which was attended
by Mr. Harcourt Davis, District Superintendent for North Central & the Berry
Islands, Ministry of Education. Other dignitaries included Mrs. Leonora Black,
District Superintendent for North & Eastern District New Providence,
Ministry of Education, Mr. Robert Witajewski, Deputy Chief of Mission, US
Embassy and Mrs. Myrna M. Ortiz-Kerr, Narcotics Affairs Officer, US Embassy.
While giving her remarks, Mrs. Lenora Black, a past principal of Stephen Dillet
Primary School, where the "I'm Special" was first implemented,
shared with gusto how she introduced the "I'm Special" program
into her school. She said that she observed that as a result of the "I'm
Special" program, there was a marked increase of self-confidence in the
children. We heard of stories of children who touched others with their
special-ness and their positive feelings of self-worth. It was a moving and
meaningful closing ceremony. Drug Action Service (DAS) believe
that "Every Child in the Bahamas Deserves to be Special." I'm
proud to be a part of their objective to expose every primary school student in
the Bahamas, to the "I'm Special" principles. The Bahamas is
fortunate to have Drug Action Service, promote their advocacy of the "I'm
Special" program. May we all find such pure focus in our work! Helen Harrill Substance Abuse Prevention Services Training Coordinator
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