Skip links


SI Chaguanas

Soroptimist International of Chaguanas is a group of dynamic women who enjoy the camaraderie and networking opportunities that result from working together on projects that benefit the community.

Our mission is to transform the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.

We are members of the wider Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland club and have consultative status at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the United Nations thus we follow many of the United Nations significant dates including International Women’s Day, World Environment Day, Elimination Of Violence Against Women’s Day and International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

SI Chaguanas New Executive Team for the year 2024-2025

Exciting times ahead! SI Chaguanas is pleased to introduce our dynamic new Executive team at our 15th Annual General Meeting on April 13. Here are our new executive team members, ready to lead with passion and dedication!

In picture, from left are:

Christine and Anneela, Secretaries; Nalini, Communications Officer; Claire, Programme Action Officer; Sasha, Membership Officer, Laura, President; Amalia, President Elect; Ingrid, Vice President; Aretha, Treasurer; Jennie, Membership Officer; Bernadine, Immediate Past President.

Together, we’re ready to empower, inspire and make a meaningful impact in the lives of women and girls.

SI Chaguanas Welcomes Five New Members

Welcoming five incredible women into our SI Chaguanas family! Here they are, receiving their Soroptimist pins from our inspiring Immediate Past President, Bernadine, and their membership certificates from our esteemed club Secretary and President of the SI National Association, Christine.

Welcome, Sasha, Merle, Valini, Jada and Chandra.

Let’s continue on this journey of service and sisterhood together

SI Chaguanas recognizes Outgoing Executive Team for the year 2023/2024

Celebrating sisterhood with gratitude!

SI Chaguanas extends a heartfelt thank you to our past president Bernadine for her dedicated service this past year. In this heartwarming moment, we cherish the bond of sisterhood and teamwork.

From left: Immediate Past President Bernadine, Programme Action Officer Claire and President Laura.

Interested in joining our circle of friendship and sisterhood and making a difference? Sign up to be a Soroptimist today and be part of a global volunteer movement:

 

Did You Know There Are Over 200 Symptoms of Menopause?

SI Chaguanas teamed up with Meno-TT to host “Navigating Menopause” in observance of World Menopause Day.

President Laura of SI Chaguanas highlighted the critical need to educate women on this life stage, while Meno-TT President Gillian Smith-Trumpet shared her personal menopause journey. Her Excellency Harriet Cross, British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, also opened up about her experience in the feature address.

Dr. Roma Bridgelal-Nagassar from the Ministry of Health commended both organisations for their commitment to providing access to information and resources on the subject, and Dr. Shane Stone explained the medical aspects of menopause and hormone optimisation.

Lara Quentrall-Thomas, the chair, discussed the impact of menopause on women’s working lives in T&T while a sponsor, PharmaTech, introduced some of their related products.

A powerful and enlightening event—because every woman deserves support during this significant transition!

Federation Programme Action Committee’s recognition of Soroptimist International Chaguanas’s project- “Let’s Plant Vegetables.”
The club embarked on Phase 3 of their successful Let’s Plant Trees and Let’s Plant Vegetables World Environment Day Projects, which started in June 2022. In phase 3, they again provided free vegetable plants to the public. They decided on a busier venue at the heart of the town of Chaguanas, Centre City Mall in order to increase the number of seedlings distributed and the number of people reached.
2,500 vegetable seedlings (13 varieties) were provided to the public, packaged in recycled newspapers and plastic bags. The change in venue resulted in increased foot traffic, resulting in a 100% increase in distribution of seedlings (2,500) and an increase in the types of seedlings. They raised awareness among over 7,000 people via social media and 200 people participated on the day.
SDG 13 – Planet – Climate action
SDG 2 – People – End hunger
Congratulations. Well Done SI Chaguanas
Kudos to SI Chaguanas President Laura on her participation in the 2024 Scotiabank Women Against Breast Cancer 5K!
Her commitment and support for breast cancer awareness and research inspire us all.
Together, we raise awareness and show solidarity with every woman fighting the battle.
Together, we’re running towards a future free of breast cancer!

Valini, Christine and Nalini of SI Chaguanas supporting our sister club, SI San Fernando, at their fantastic fundraiser on Sunday!

Together, we amplify the power of service, making an impact on educating, empowering and enabling women and girls

Renew The Future, an inspiring book created by members of  SI Chaguanas

SI Chaguanas is pleased to introduce “Renew The Future”, an inspiring book written and designed by our members, Kathryn and Nalini. This is indeed a wonderful achievement for the club to teach primary school children about renewable energy. With the Ministry of Education’s approval, we are excited to donate copies to primary schools in Central Trinidad.

Through vibrant illustrations and an engaging story, “Renew The Future” aims to spark curiosity and inspire young readers to explore how they can defend and renew the planet.

SI Chaguanas believes that early exposure is essential to fostering a generation of environmentally conscious leaders. It is our hope that this book will spark curiosity and even encourage students to consider jobs in renewable energy.

SIGBI Day of Action -13th July, 2024

Every July, some 5,500 members in 17 countries across the Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Federation participate in a Day of Action.

This year, the action theme is poverty. Heeding the call, SI Chaguanas members have sprung into action, organising safe and nutritious food necessities for 6 families from the Lendore Village and Jerningham Junction areas.

The global issue of hunger and food insecurity has increased since 2015, thus the United Nation’s 2nd Sustainable Development Goal is Zero Hunger, which aims to create a world free of hunger by 2030. Together, we can build a better future for everyone.

SI Chaguanas hosts meet and greet for potential members

SI Chaguanas had a fantastic time hosting a Potential Members’ Meet and Greet this past Saturday in celebration of Membership Month!

It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce new faces to the incredible work of Soroptimist International.

Our very own President Laura, Charter President Marilyn and Membership Officer Jennie delivered an inspiring introduction to Soroptimism, sharing our mission and the impact we make in our community and in the world. This was followed by a warm and welcoming meet and greet with our dedicated club members.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and to those who made this event a success. We look forward to extending our Soroptimist family and continuing to make a meaningful difference together.

SI Chaguanas will be giving free vegetable seedlings to commemorate World Environment Day
Ready to plant and grow your own veggies? SI Chaguanas will be giving free vegetable seedlings in June in honour of World Environment Day 2024. Here are some tips for planting your vegetable seedlings!
1. Choose the Right Spot: Ensure your garden gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage for healthy growth.
2. Prepare the Soil: Mix in compost or organic matter to enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients for your plants.
3. Spacing Matters: Follow recommended spacing guidelines on seedling packets to give your plants room to thrive.
4. Water Wisely: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the crucial early growth stages.
5. Mulch It Up: Apply a layer of mulch around your seedlings to retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature.
6. Monitor for Pests: Keep an eye out for plant eaters like aphids or caterpillars and take appropriate measures to protect your plants.
7. Support Your Plants: Provide support structures like stakes or cages for tall plants like tomatoes or peppers to prevent them from bending or breaking.
Remember, each vegetable has its own specific needs, so research individual requirements for optimal growth. Happy planting!

Exuding grace and sophistication, Christine and Claire stand up in support of sister club SI Anaparima’s fundraiser, Nostalgia. Together, we empower and uplift each other!

Taking a break from empowering discussions at the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women to soak in the inspiring views at the iconic Statue of Liberty are sister Soroptimists: Nalini from SI Chaguanas and the wonderful ladies of SI GBI Federation!
SI CHAGUANAS
INSPIRING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Educating and empowering the next generation of businesswomen at SI Chaguanas Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs’ event.
These amazing young women at the Chaguanas North Secondary School discover the secrets to success from accomplished women entrepreneurs.

We are proud to advise that Nalini Parasram-Rajballie from SI Chaguanas is part of the SIGBI delegation of 7 who are attending the CSW68 which takes place in New York from the 11-22 Mar 24. We wish her and the other delegates all the best for a successful and productive CSW68.

 

We are proud to advise that Nalini Parasram-Rajballie from SI Chaguanas is part of the SIGBI delegation of 7 who are attending the CSW68 which takes place in New York from the 11-22 Mar 24. We wish her and the other delegates all the best for a successful and productive CSW68.

 

Inspiring futures one schoolbag at a time!

SI Chaguanas is proud to donate another round of school supplies to Venezuelan migrant children at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Carapichaima. Together, we’re making education accessible and inspiring inclusion.

From left are Aletia, SIC Membership Officer; Gail, Co-ordinator and Valini, SI Chaguanas.

SI Chaguanas participate in the SI Port of Spain Fun-tastic Christmas Wreathmaking Fundraiser

Festive, creative and crafty fun! The ladies of SI Chaguanas had a fantastic time learning the art of wreathmaking, a wonderful fundraiser hosted by SI Port of Spain. Here we are showing off our beautiful handmade wreaths this holiday season!

Soroptimist International clubs of T&T

Friendship Day 8th October 2023

Theme: The People Who Came

Soroptimist International Chaguanas, video-Chinese presentation.

 SI Chaguanas hosted a spectacular Friendship Day at Holy Faith Convent, Couva, bringing together all Soroptimist clubs from around Trinidad and Tobago.
Each club represented a unique sector of our culturally rich society – from the First Peoples to the Spanish, French, Africans, English, Indians, Chinese and Syrian-Lebanese. While we’re empowering and transforming the lives of women and girls, Soroptimists also know how to have a blast! 
Here’s to the spirit of friendship and sisterhood that brings us all together.

Happy 14th anniversary to the amazing ladies of SI Chaguanas Club!

It’s inspiring to see charter members (from left) Marilyn, Claire, Aletia, Shirley, and Christine still celebrating together with the same passion and dedication that started this journey.

Here’s to many more years of empowering women and making a difference in the community!

 

SI Chaguanas donate school supplies to local students

Education is the foundation of success, and we’re proud to have played a small part in helping the next generation thrive!

With the help of our dedicated friends and generous wellwishers, SI Chaguanas club was able to donate much-needed school supplies to local students, giving them the tools they need to excel. Here’s to a bright future for all!

Soroptimist International Convention in Dublin

SI Chaguanas was represented by Nalimi Rajballie, Communications Officer at the SI Convention in Dublin. (L-R  4th in backrow)

On Day 1, our impressive tree and vegetable planting projects were highlighted in a poster display.

We were also proud to see our patch of peace included in the beautiful quilt of peace, a project spearheaded by our sister club SI San Fernando, featuring patches from SI clubs worldwide.

And to top it all off, two of our projects, Wellness Wednesday and Let’s Plant Vegetables , were featured in the Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Programme Director’s report.

We’re thrilled to be making an impact on a global scale and showcasing all that Trinidad and Tobago has to offer.

 

SI Chaguanas display of their Poster “Let’s grow trees, Let’s grow Vegetables.

 

SI Chaguanas 

SIGBI Day of action – 15th July 2023

Embracing UN World Youth Skills Day, SI Chaguanas proudly launches its Adopt a Classroom project at Chaguanas South Secondary School on Soroptimist Day of Action!

We kicked off with an exciting session, engaging young talents in the art of priming and painting, using paint rollers, brushes and more.

As the project moves forward, we’ll revamp and upgrade various aspects of the classroom, while instilling in the children the significance of maintaining their school environment and the world around us.

Together, we’re creating a vibrant and sustainable future for our youth

 

SI Chaguanas –

Let’s plant vegetables project

In commemoration of World Environment Day, 5th June, 2023, SI Chaguanas embarked on a “Let’s plant vegetables” project.

11 types of veggie plants were distributed to each recipient in recycled plastic packaging – a small step towards a sustainable future.

President of S.A.A.T.H.I., Rosemarie, receives plants from President of SI Chaguanas, Bernadine, for Let’s Plant Vegetables project in honour of World Environment Day.

SI Chaguanas -Membership Month activities 

SI Chaguanas spreading awareness during Membership Month at Starbucks, Chaguanas.

Members discussed the club and its projects with interested shoppers while observing the U.N. designated “Orange the World Day” to end violence against women and girls.

Visit the website to learn more about our club:

https://sigbi.org/tt/si-chaguanas/

SI Chaguanas hosted a Team Building Session
An enlightening team-building session today with Team SI Chaguanas!
New beginnings bring renewed enthusiasm and purpose for the projects that will make a difference in the lives of women and girls.
Training Sessions to Commemorate Membership Month
Very informative training sessions held for SI Chaguanas and SI Couva members and potential members by presenters- Membership Officer Terry Rambharat (SITT National Association) Sandra Dieffenthaller (Membership and Organisational and Development Officer- SI San Fernando)
It was a day of building capacity for the two clubs. What a great way to commence Membership month!!!
In the pictures above are Chaguanas Members and potential members with Presenters Sandra and Terry.