Felicia Balgobin -Barbados
“I was blown away when I heard what was going to be done…it was the first time I was surrounded by so many educated, brave, empowering, no-nonsense persons who were visually impaired or blind who meant business, and I loved it.” She also reports she felt empowered as a result of hearing from Senator Kerryann Ifill, and concludes: “I have come out of this Workshop feeling that I am prepared for the task ahead. It has encouraged me so much that I have decided to join an Organization which would allow me to be creative, fight for our rights, birth new ideas as well as learn new things and ways.”
Lisa Williams – Barbados
“The Workshop proved to be very beneficial for me personally……the highpoint for me was to see persons who have the same disability as me being able to operate Power-Point presentations and generally conduct classes as independently as other colleagues who are sighted.” Ms. Williams also highlights the session that Senator Kerry-Ann Ifill had with the women as particularly enlightening, and concluded that as a result of the Workshop, she was seriously considering further education: “It was inspiring to hear of the challenges and triumphs of colleagues who are at present studying at the University of the West Indies, and it has challenged me to think seriously about furthering my education.”
Tacita Forde – Barbados
“The leadership workshop was very educational” . She recounts a number of learning outcomes achieved over the four days, including the identification of her leadership style and her learning what effective leadership is. Besides improvements in the management of time, Ms. Forde expresses satisfaction with all other aspects of the Workshop, hailing them as meeting her expectations; and found the sharing of the participants particularly inspiring: “Hearing the other persons who were visually impaired like myself share their different experiences and challenges was extremely encouraging and motivating.” She concludes: This Workshop really catered to my needs as I have now finished school, and learning how to plan my future is a very essential tool in how my tomorrow is formed.”
Sharmalee Cardoza – Jamaica
“Overall, this Workshop was an experience I will never forget. Upon completing the four-day Workshop which was held at the Solutions Center at the UWI Cave Hill Campus, I must say that all my expectations were met.” Ms. Cardoza also highlights a number of learning achievements, namely the acquisition of knowledge in areas” such as:
1.Leadership (the group activity being highlighted as being especially fulfilling), “I gained additional insights into the different leadership styles which each leader possesses…”;
2. New perspectives on resume writing, “The session on resume writing was an eye opener”;
3. The widening of her network, “I have developed a network with other persons who are Blind and Visually Impaired across the Caribbean.”
Vivian Blake – Jamaica
“In most, if not all areas, the Caribbean Council for the Blind/Eye Care Caribbean Regional Leadership Development Workshop for Youths Who are Blind or Visually Impaired exceeded my expectations by some distance.” “I did have fun. The Training Sessions were quite informative, interesting and interactive; the people that I met were warm and sociable; and I did meet and hear peoples’ experiences in leadership that have left me feeling that ‘the sky is the limit’.”
For Mr. Blake, the climax of the Workshop was the sessions on Executive Life Skills and Technology. “These represent two areas, which, if optimized in my life, can make me a much more effective person.” Regarding low-points – “I don’t know if I can single out any low point except on the second day when it was reported to us that the authorities on the Campus wanted documents signed to indemnify themselves against the possibility of anything happening to any of the participants. Also, I really would have loved to have visited the Botanical Gardens and the Caves.” He said.
“I definitely hope to utilize all that I have learnt at the Workshop.; in the short term, I am planning to improve my skills in using knife and fork; I am planning to obtain a jacket, and already, I am trying to be more assertive in setting and following up on appointments, as well as paying more careful attention in planning for meetings, etc. I also intend to do some further reflection on some of the issues discussed at the Workshop with a view of further improvements personally and professionally.” He concluded.
Orlando Alcide – St Lucia
Mr Alcide recounts that although at the outset he had mixed expectations about the Workshop, it turned out to be a worthwhile endeavour.
“Initially, I had different expectations for the programme, but things turned out better than I’d thought, it was a great experience…”
Among Mr. Alcide’s more noteworthy accomplishments are the new friendships he was able to develop and the knowledge gained. “ The Workshop was very informative and rewarding; much was learnt, for example:
1. The proper way to prepare a resume, i.e. the content- what should and should not be included;
2. The various styles of leadership;
3. The importance of professionalism;
4. The qualities and attributes one should possess (as a leader).”
He notes, as an area for improvement, that information on the critical areas taught should have been provided in various formats to the participants for future reference, especially as not everyone was able to take notes.
Stacia Jules – St. Lucia
She recalls not really having any expectations going into the Workshop; and confesses: “I was pleasantly surprised at the volume of information.” While recounting a number of the learning outcomes (gaining knowledge on leadership, resume writing, and professionalism).”
For her the high-point of the Workshop was the session on Technology: “The real highlight came for me on the final day of the Workshop when we discussed Technology. I am fascinated by all that is being created and developed to keep us feeling capable and a part of society .” She said. Ms. Jules also reports benefitting from the activity where Delegates charted their future, resulting in her taking the decision to pursue studies in Physiotherapy.
Overall, though, Ms. Jules reports that the experience was great: “It was a great experience…” And, “the Workshop went really well in my opinion and we gained a wealth of knowledge. However, there is always room for improvement…”
Antoine Munroe – The Bahamas
“The Youth Leadership Workshop provided the qualities I expected to obtain, which are better time management and organizational skills; strategies for becoming creative; meeting management skills; marketing skills; networking, and sustainable leadership skills. Also, this Youth Leadership Workshop gave me the opportunity to meet young adults from across the Caribbean who are blind and visually impaired.”
I had an exciting time, and I look forward to the next Youth Leadership Workshop. I would like to say thanks to the President and Executive Team of the Bahamas Alliance for the Blind and Visually Impaired for selecting me to represent the Bahamas at this Workshop. I would also like to say thanks to Mr. Arvel Grant and the Caribbean Council for the Blind for inviting the Bahamas to be a part of the Workshop.”
CONCLUSION