SI Esperance

Soroptimist International Esperance was chartered on December 9^th 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 2023/2024

Congratulations and best wishes for a productive year to the new Executive team of SI Esperance for the years 2023-2024

Hereunder are the names and positions of the Executive team members:
President -Gemma Casimir-Redman, Immediate Past President- Denyse Ewe, Vice President – Trisha Dassrath, President Elect- Rowena Wattley, Treasurer-Keisha Baig-Ramsamooj,Programme Action officer- Candyce Labban, Communications Officer- Marilyn Lalla, Correspondence Secretary-Marsha Marchan, Minuting Secretary- Trisha Dassrath, Membership Officer- Shallini Gopeesingh-Ramnath,Fundraising Chairperson-Arinanne Dhanukdharriesingh, Organisational Development Officer- Cheryl Boodoosingh, Advocacy Officer-Rabbia Khan, Floor Members- Charmaine Lutchmansingh, Irmin Mc Kenzie

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!

Soroptimist International clubs of T&T

Friendship Day 8th October, 2023

Theme: The People Who Came

Soroptimist International Esperance video- French presentation.

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons -July 30th

SI Esperance has 2 posters displayed at the 2023 Soroptimist International Convention in Dublin held on the 27th to 29th July

Esperance members are so proud that not just one, but two of their posters were selected to be displayed at the Soroptimist International Conference in Dublin.

“Period Positivity” and “”Leave No Trash Behind”

SIGBI Day of Action- July 15th, 2023

To celebrate the Soroptimist Saturday of Service, Soroptimist International Esperance met virtually with teenaged girls. Members told them about the work of the club, and explored the girls’ feelings about service to the community and their support of topical issues. We are nurturing future Soroptimists

On behalf of Soroptimist International Esperance, Fadia Muradali-Kumar presented boxes of disposable sanitary pads to ASJA Girl’s College, Barrackpore as part of the Period Positivity Project.

Marsha Marchan of Soroptimist International Esperance presented hampers to the Autistic Life Skills Centre in Pointe Fortin. This is a part of the Esperance ongoing support of the pupils of that Centre.

SI Esperance hosts book reading by author Ira Mathur

Soroptimist International Esperance invited guests to a unique evening, a book reading by author Ira Mathur at the Kelshall home in Bryan’s Gate. The readings describe the author’s early years in India, followed by her later years in Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia and the United Kingdom. It explores the interplay of different personalities, religions and cultures. It is this interpersonal and intercultural understanding which leads to peaceful relationships within communities.

SI Esperance welcomes new members to their club

May is Membership Month for Soroptimists. President Denyse Ewe took great pleasure in welcoming three new members to the Esperance club.

(L-R Renelle Ramlal, Denyse Ewe, Farah Abdool and Shanti Mahabir

Power Shots

The winning team of Ernest de Gannes and Ken Pollard received prizes from Soroptimist Charmaine Lutchmansingh and President Gemma Casimir-Redman.

Power Shots

The second place prizes were presented to the young team of Isiah Rowley and Matthew Davis by Soroptimists Rowena Wattley and Rabbia Khan.

SI Esperance Period Positivity Project

Another batch of sanitary products has been delivered to ASJA Girls’ College, Barrackpore to enable students to access their education during menstruation through its Period Positivity Project.

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.

IMAGINE- school art competition.

Soroptimist International Esperance’s art pieces from the SITT National Association School Art Competition are on display at the Rotunda, National Library and Information Systems Authority (NALIS). The theme for the competition was “IMAGINE what a world free from violence against women and girls would look like.”

You are welcome to visit the exhibition at NALIS between the hours of 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 am to 2 p.m.

For more information on their People’s choice awards, visit their Facebook Page.

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.

Members of Soroptimist International Esperance, Chaguanas and Port of Spain joined other women’s organisations on the ‘Embrace Everyone’ march around the Savannah to mark International Women’s Day.

SI ESPERANCE PRESENTS AT NGO CSW

SI Esperance is honoured to once again be invited to represent Soroptimists at this prestigious NGO CSW (Commission on the Status of Women) event! Register and join in.

Organisation: Soroptimist International EVENT ID 13574(Virtual)

Date & Time: Mon 06 Mar 23 5pm UK, 12:00 noon NY

Title: Achieving Gender Equality & Empowerment through Innovation, technology and education.

Concept: During Covid-19 the acceleration of the pace of change within the Digital Revolution has exacerbated multiple existing inequalities within societies, especially for Women and Girls. By providing the ‘tools’ to succeed in this digital age, Soroptimist International’s grassroots projects educate and empower women and girls to enable them to achieve Gender Equality through Innovation and Technology.

Working Globally to achieve Sustainable Development Goals for Women and Girls, Soroptimist International implements projects to achieve Women’s equal participation in all aspects of life. Emerging technologies, Innovation and digital tools provide opportunities for greater access to information, education and economic skills to help all Women and Girls to achieve economic independence.

Register in advance for this meeting:

SI Esperance -January 2023 Photo of the month winner

Soroptimist International Esperance is the winner of SI Great Britain and Ireland’s January 2023 Soroptimist Photo of the Month.

In the photo we display a cheque for The Halfway House for abused women and our fantastic banners for the 16 Days of Activism.

Congratulations to all our members!!!!!!

SI Esperance “Sisterhood Sunday Development Day’

Members and prospective members of Soroptimist International Esperance gathered for a ‘Sisterhood Sunday’ Development Day under the guidance of Camille Ramdial. It was inspirational and motivational!

Soroptimist International Esperance thanks the patrons who supported, and those who helped in any way to make our evening of parang a success.

Happy Anniversary to our members who have given 4 years of dedication and hard work to community service.

Members of Soroptimist International Esperance gathered to #OrangeTheWorld. They are creating awareness of the issues of violence against women, advocating for change, and taking action to alleviate the problems.

SI Esperance won the SI Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) October Photo of the month

Our project “Planting Trees – Hope for the Future” provided disadvantaged women with food-bearing trees. Club members gathered to collect the trees, which they then either planted themselves or distributed to organisations and individuals who would benefit from a constant source of food from the trees.

#Soroptimist #Soroptimists #SIGBI #Women #WomenInspiringAction

SITT National Association – 49th AGM

A wonderful turnout from SI Esperance!

Soroptimist International National Association of Trinidad and Tobago held its 49th Annual General Meeting on Saturday, September 17th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Sky View Lounge, San Fernando.

It was a glorious return to an in-person meeting since our last AGM in 2019. All clubs were represented—SI Anaparima, SI Chaguanas, SI Couva, SI Esperance, SI Newtown, SI Port of Spain, and
SI San Fernando. Despite a bit of inclement weather, it was a great turnout of members.

SITT National Association – 49th AGM

A wonderful turnout from SI Esperance!

Soroptimist International National Association of Trinidad and Tobago held its 49th Annual General Meeting on Saturday, September 17th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Sky View Lounge, San Fernando.

It was a glorious return to an in-person meeting since our last AGM in 2019. All clubs were represented—SI Anaparima, SI Chaguanas, SI Couva, SI Esperance, SI Newtown, SI Port of Spain, and
SI San Fernando. Despite a bit of inclement weather, it was a great turnout of members.

World Environment Day 2022

Soroptimist International Esperance launched its Leave No Trash Behind project at Palmiste Park to mark World Environment Day. It is an education programme to change the mindset of the nation in favor of environmental sustainability.

#leavenotrace #leavenothingbutfootprints #leavenotrashbehind #leavenotrash

International Women’s Day 2022

In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2022, each of the seven Soroptimist International clubs of Trinidad and Tobago produced a video addressing:

A Mother’s work is REAL. Mothering through the Pandemic.

Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias can’t exist isn’t enough.

#BreakTheBias #IWD2022

To read the entire supplement, click on the link below to access our FlipBook:

https://online.fliphtml5.com/ahemv/zzmz/

In celebration of SI’s Centenary, on Sunday, July 25, 2021, SITT published a 24-page newspaper supplement with the Guardian Newspaper, Trinidad. 

Here’s our full-page editorial…

Covid Comfort for Students
focuses on the emotional well-being of young people of all ages. Raquel Matthews of Psychologists for the Growing Mind draws upon her considerable experience as a School Psychologist to advise students on coping strategies. We invite you to share this with teachers and parents who can in turn share it with students.

In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2021, all six Soroptimist International Clubs of Trinidad and Tobago united to produce a series of videos featuring prominent local women who choose to challenge gender bias and inequality.

These women hail from different backgrounds and each shared their journey and determination to forge a gender-equal world.

We present Jayanti Lutchmedial.  #ChooseToChallenge

SI Esperance partnered with the Palmiste Historical Society to plant trees in the Palmiste Park. This is part of an ongoing project by the Historical Society to establish an Arboretum or tree Museum in the Park.

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