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SI Esperance

Soroptimist International Esperance was chartered on December 9th 2018 and is the newest of the eight Soroptimist Clubs in Trinidad and Tobago. We encourage openness to new inspiring ideas in developing club projects, succession planning and retention of membership. The club member’s ages range from 92 to 27 and bring a unique blend of Soroptimist experience and effervescent youth. We may be the newest club, but we bring with us 172 years of service as Soroptimists.

‘Esperance’ is French for Hope, and by Educating, Empowering and Enabling opportunities through service, we will bring ‘Esperance’ to women and girls in rural areas.

Soroptimist International Esperance Executive Committee 2024-2025

Congratulations and best wishes for a productive year to the new Executive team of SI Esperance for the years 2024-2025

Members of Soroptimist International Esperance in attendance at our 6th Annual General Meeting at the Tradewinds Hotel.

Congratulations and best wishes to Ursula de Castro of SI Esperance on 45 years of service as a Soroptimist. She was conferred with the title of Honorary Life Member by SITT National Association at their AGM on the 9th September 2023 in appreciation of her unwavering dedication, commitment and exceptional service.

In the picture Gemma Casimir Redman (right) President of Si Esperance makes a presentation to Ursula de Castro (left)

Soroptimist International Esperance Marché Vert

Soroptimist International Esperance Marché Vert (Green Market) inspired by World Environment Day, encouraged the public to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’, and allowed local artisans to show their wares.

You are welcome to visit their Facebook page to see all the lovely pictures of the event.

Soroptimist International Esperance visits Asa Wright Centre

Soroptimist international Esperance visits Asa Wright Centre as a bonding activity in celebration of Membership Month in May and to explore environmental issues in the lead up to World Environment Day which was on the 5th of June 2024.

The Digicel Foundation staff donation of sanitary products has assisted Soroptimist International Esperance in continuing its Period Positivity Project beyond its initially planned three year limit.
This partnership epitomizes the World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 theme “Together in a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.”

Esperance Soroptimists reached out to the public requesting donations of sanitary products as part of their Period Positivity Project. This supplies needy girls with protection to ensure that they do not have to miss school. Grateful thanks to JTA Supermarkets at C3 for hosting the event, and for providing specials on sanitary products. A marked bin will remain for patrons to make contributions in the coming days.

SI Esperance Powershots Golf Tournament was a success

Soroptimist International Esperance extends heartfelt gratitude to all our corporate sponsors and enthusiastic golfers who made our 4th Annual Golf Tournament a resounding success! Held at the picturesque Pointe-à-Pierre Golf Club on Sunday, April 21st, the event brought together supporters and golf enthusiasts for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie.

Your generous support enables us to continue our vital service work in the rural areas of Penal, Debe, Point Fortin, and Barrackpore in South Trinidad. Together, we are making a positive impact on the lives of women and girls in our community.

Thank you for joining us in advancing our mission of empowering women and girls to reach their full potential. Here’s to another successful tournament and many more to come

What an inspiring evening at our recent book reading event! A huge thank you to Ingrid Persaud for gracing us with insights from her latest work of literary fiction “The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh”.

We’re immensely grateful to Mrs. Jean Bahadur for seamlessly conducting the evening as interviewer and to Naparima Girls’ High School for generously providing the perfect setting for our gathering.

To all those who attended, your support is invaluable in our mission to promote literacy and empower marginalized women.

Stay tuned for more enriching events as we continue our journey of making a positive impact in our community and beyond. Together, we’re making a difference!

Happy Earth Day 2024! Excited to collaborate with Soroptimist International Esperance, Club Treasurer Keisha Baig-Ramsamooj delivered to Principals Petronilla Ramlal ( Union Claxton Bay Secondary School) and Sapna Ramdhuroop and Nalini Jairam Boodram (Woodland Hindu Primary School), recycling bins. Together, we are making a greener impact on our plan

Sustainable Harvest Programme by ASJA Girls Barrackpore

The ASJA Girls Secondary School Barrackpore, in collaboration with the TT Association of Energy Engineers and Soroptimist Internatikonal Esperance presented their EPIC Sustainable Harvest Project this morning which was sponsored by Shell TT and Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Foundation as part of their EPIC Project Programme.

This project is geared towards merging the agriculture and energy sector to promote food security by adapting to climate change which promotes leadership, entrepreneurship and food security.

Chairman of PDRC, Mr. Gowtam Maharaj along with the councillor for the district of Bronte, Councillor Gerard Perreira, were invited to bring greetings. We’re always thrilled to see our young leaders taking the steps to secure and promote a sustainable future, one which they can be proud to say, I have contributed towards.

Congratulations to these brilliant young ladies! We wish you continued success in all of your projects and journeys, keep up the amazing work, we’re routing for you!

 

SI Esperance participated in Autism Awareness Walk

On Friday 12th April some members of Soroptimist International Esperance braved the sweltering heat to support The Life Skills Centre in their Autism Awareness Walk in Point Fortin. Caregivers from the Centre, children and adults on the autism spectrum, mothers and well-wishers chipped to the music from the trucks.

Motorcyclists revved their engines at the front of the walk to signal the event’s start, and police escorted the parade safely through the main streets of Point Fortin. It was a heartwarming and fulfilling experience.

The walk started at the Life Skills Centre and ended at Victor Chin Kit Park where greetings were brought on behalf of the Mayor’s office and the police. A dramatic skit appealed to authorities to stop promising and start actioning!! Drinks and snack boxes donated by Soroptimist International Esperance were shared among members of the Life Centre.

It was an afternoon well spent advocating for the cause and being a voice for the voiceless during the Autism Awareness Month of April.

Team SI Esperance participates in SI San Fernando’s 3K Obstacle Race

Team SI Esperance participated in the 3K Obstacle race at Skinner Park to raise awareness for endometriosis.

Thanks to our sister Club SI San Fernando for this initiative and your dedication to the cause. It was truly inspiring and we stand with you in support.

We had fun at the event. We all completed the course, coming away with a trophy.

Interclub Tea Party at Hyatt Trinidad – A Celebration of Empowerment!

Our hearts are still brimming with joy from the incredible gathering of phenomenal women at the Interclub of T&T Tea Party hosted at the Hyatt Trinidad in celebration of International Women’s Day!

 

Happy International Women’s Day

” Inspire Inclusion”

SI Esperance in commemoration of International Women’s Day facilitated a seminar themed’ Inspiring Future Entrepreneurs” at the Parvati Girls’ Hindu College.

Two young entrepreneurs Shimone Anthony, founder and owner of Shimmerlicious Pizza and Alpha Sennon, founder and Executive Director of WHYFARM shared their stories and gave key insights into the world of entrepreneurship. The sessions were informative, engaging and inspiring.

Participating students comprised those pursuing entrepreneurship studies at the college and those from the newly formed Soroptimist School club.

 

SI Esperance charter of first school club in the Caribbean

SITT National Association extends congratulations and best wishes to SI Eeperance on the Charter of their school club on the 26th January 2024. This is a first not only for Trinidad and Tobago but the Caribbean region. This is indeed a proud moment and we acknowledge the hard work, preparation and collaboration that would have gone into making this a reality. Well done SIE Sisters. Christine Cole, President SITT, presented Dr. Sharda Maharaj-Ramjattan, Principal of Soroptimist Parvat Girls Hindu College with their Charter certificate

The Soroptimist International Esperance 5th Anniversary celebration was a time for camaraderie, a time for looking back, and a time for looking forward.

Congratulations and best wishes to Soroptimist International Esperance on the occasion of their 5th Anniversary. Keep up the good work SIE Sisters.

SI ESPERANCE HOSTED ORANGE CAFE

In a compelling event dedicated to the global initiative of the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence on Women and Girls, Soroptimist International Esperance hosted the Orange Cafe, a platform that resonated with voices advocating for change. The event took place at Arts Café, a venue generously provided to facilitate open dialogue and foster community engagement.

The lineup of distinguished speakers brought forth a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Veronica Landreth-Smith shared insights into the pivotal work of the Halfway House, offering crucial support to those in need. Sabrina Mowlah-Baksh, representing the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, highlighted the tireless efforts in combating the pervasive issue of domestic violence.

Marcus Kissoon enlightened the audience on the various forms of gender-based violence, contributing to a deeper understanding of the challenges at hand. Superintendent Claire Guy-Alleyne, from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Gender-Based Violence Unit, emphasized the collective responsibility in creating a safer society.

The feature address, “An Intimate Conversation with Onika Mars,” unfolded a powerful narrative of survival and resilience. Onika’s journey from a domestic violence survivor to the founder of Shangri La, a Safe Space in Tobago, served as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

The combination of insightful discussions, personal narratives, and community support created an atmosphere of unity and empowerment.

As the event concluded, a heartfelt vote of thanks was extended to all speakers, supporters, and guests. The call to action was clear – to carry the inspiration gathered in the Orange Cafe forward, working collaboratively towards a world where every woman and girl can live free from the chains of violence.

Soroptimist International Esperance remains steadfast in its dedication to empowering communities, raising awareness, and fostering positive change in the ongoing battle against gender-based violence.

Ignite Her Potential – A One-Day Skills & Confidence Journey for Teenage Girls

Today, on October 30th, we had the privilege of hosting “IgniteHer Potential” at ASJA Girls’ College Barrackpore for Form 5 students. It was an incredible day of growth, empowerment, and inspiration!

We kicked off the day with an engaging first session, led by the amazing Camille Ramdial, covered essential topics like time management, dressing for the workplace, and workplace etiquette. The girls absorbed valuable knowledge and insights that will undoubtedly serve them well in their future careers.

After a refreshing break, we dived into Session 2, where Ms Ramdial continued to enlighten the students, this time on the crucial subject of financial literacy. Financial skills are often underestimated, and this session aimed to equip these young minds with the tools they need to make sound financial decisions.

The afternoon session was led by Renée Rampersadsingh of Anugraha Yoga, focusing on body positivity, stress management, and building habits for good mental and physical health. These are vital skills for navigating the challenges of today’s world while maintaining a positive and healthy mindset.

As the clock neared 2:30 PM, we closed the day with a heartfelt vote of thanks. We were incredibly impressed by the enthusiasm and receptiveness of the girls. The “IgniteHer Potential” event was not just a one-day journey; it was a significant step towards a brighter future for these young women.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the school, speakers, and, most importantly, the girls themselves. We witnessed their potential, and we believe that they will go on to achieve great things.

Please join us in celebrating the success of “IgniteHer Potential.” Share this post, spread the word, and let’s empower more young minds to reach for the stars!

 

SI Esperance Prize giving ceremony for IMAGINE student Artists.

Today was the prize giving for Soroptimist International Esperance’s Imagine Art Competition. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners in the Junior and Senior segments and the People’s Choice Award winner were given framed certificates and cash prizes. Others were given Certificates of Participation. Certificates were sent to those who could not be present. All of the contributions were impressive

SITT National Association IMAGINE- school art competition

Winners in the Senior and Junior categories of the school art competition from SI Esperance Club.

Members of Soroptimist International Esperance participated in the SI Friendship Day hosted by SI San Fernando on the 19th March, 2023 at La Vega, Couva. SIE Sisters looked very lovely in their sixties outfits which was the theme for the Friendship Day.

Between September and November 2018, as The Proposed Soroptimist Club Esperance, the following projects were held:-

Literacy Project in Esperance

Free Legal Aid Clinic

Girls in Aviation Project

‘Men in Pink’ ~ Breast Cancer Awareness

Between Chartering in December and March the projects were:-

‘Men in Orange’ ~ Domestic Violence Awareness

Literacy Projects Part 2 & 3

Fund Raising Zumba/ Mental Health Project

Awareness, Advocacy and Education Through a YouTube Channel

We invite you to visit us or contact us by the following means:- 

YouTube Channel ~ Soroptimist International Esperance

Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/siesperance/

Website ~ https://sigbi.org/esperance/

Email ~ siesperancett@gmail.com