Soroptimist International of San Fernando was chartered on 23 November 1962 with 18 members. At present the club has forty-four (44) members, two of whom are founder members.
Our ongoing project is Shangri La Soroptimist Retirement Home, founded in 1970. It is a safe and secure residence where senior citizens can find companionship, serenity and happiness in their later years.
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL SAN FERNANDO -NEW EXECUTIVE 2025-2026
On Wednesday 30th April 2025, Soroptimist International San Fernando proudly held its 63rd Annual General Meeting.
We are pleased to introduce the newly appointed Executive for 2025-2026:
Top Picture (Left to Right):
Shiyen Lee Chee – Floor Member
Anna-Lisa Wallace – Floor Member
Alyssa Rahamatula – Minuting Secretary
Renata Ramsaywak-Lalla – Immediate Past President
Crystal Rahaman – Correspondence Secretary & Communications Officer
Cindy Seemungal – President-Elect & Treasurer
Leigh-Anne Koylass-Shand – President
Juliana Johan-Boodram – Membership Officer
De Nyssa Christom-Furlonge – Programme Action Officer
Jana Marie Koylass – Programme Action Officer
We look forward to a year of impactful service, collaboration, and growth as we continue to inspire action and transform lives within our community and beyond.
Members of SI San Fernando were delighted to have our Federation President Ruth Healy and Programme Director Lindsay Green attend the closing event of our ‘Deaf Girls in STEM’ project when they visited with us on Friday.
In collaboration with our tech partner RSC, the kids of the Audrey Jeffers School for the Deaf learned about Green Screen technology, Robotics, AR, VR, Coding and circuit building.
To celebrate the end of the project, the kids proudly received their certificates and badges declaring them ‘Tech Champs’.
The kids also happily got their hands dirty as they assisted President Ruth in planting a lime tree on the compound,teaching them to reduce their carbon footprint… which will be increased with the increased use of technology
A luncheon at our Club’s Home for The Elderly was enjoyed by members and our special guests. Thank you Ruth and Lindsay for a wonderful visit.
Team GDF showed up this morning at the Soroptimist International San Fernando Endo Challenge!
Big shoutout to Soroptimist International for organizing this meaningful event and bringing the communites together for such an important cause!
Proud to support this amazing cause
SI San Fernando hosted “Trini Tabanca” luncheon fundraiser
Relive the joy of Sunday, September 22nd, 2024, when SI San Fernando hosted a delightful event brimming with entertainment, delicious food, and the warmth of friendship and engaging conversations.
You are welcome to visit the Facebook page of SI San Fernando to view all the wonderful pictures.
Soroptimist International San Fernando
12 Steps to a healthier you
Perimenopause and menopause
Episode 9
Celebrating International Literacy Day with a Story of Resilience & Friendship
This year, in recognition of International Literacy Day, our Club had the pleasure of gifting two copies of the heartwarming children’s book, “Cydni’s Special Leg,” to thirteen preschools across San Fernando and its environs.
Written by our very own Club member, Camille Parris-Hinds, the story shares her daughter’s inspiring journey with Congenital Femoral Deficiency, a condition where her left leg was shorter than her right. The book beautifully captures themes of resilience, friendship and overcoming challenges– lessons that resonate deeply with both children and adults alike.
We hope these stories spark conversations about kindness, acceptance and the power of determination in classrooms across our community. Let’s continue to inspire the next generation with stories that uplift and empower
SI San Fernando-
12 steps to a healthier you
Episode 8 – Work Life Balance
SI San Fernando assist in support for Cariacou
Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl on the island of Cariacou, our Club acted swiftly to respond. With the collective efforts of our Club and generous donations from individual members, the Club provided essential supplies.
These included general food items, baby food and diapers, which were delivered to Cariacou on a boat owned by one of our kind benefactors, just 4 days after the hurricane hit.
We are proud to support our neighbours in need and remain committed to making a difference in the face of adversity. Thank you to everyone who contributed and made this rapid response possible. Together, we are stronger!
Celebrating World Environment Day with a sustainable Initiative!
In commemoration of World Environment Day, our Club was proud to sponsor and distribute reusable water bottles to all students and teachers of San Fernando East Secondary School. This initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability, reduce plastic waste in our community and is part of an ongoing project geared towards making San Fernando East Secondary a climate conscious school.
Why Reusable Water Bottles?
– Eco-Friendly: Helps reduce single-use plastic waste
– Cost Effective: Save money by refilling rather than buying bottled water
– Healthier: Encourages hydration with a convenient, portable solution
We are excited to see the positive impact this initiative will have on both the environment and the daily lives of the students and teachers. A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible!
Let’s continue to take steps towards a greener, more sustainable future together.
SI San Fernando-
SI San Fernando-
SI San Fernando-
SI San Fernando-
SI San Fernando-
12 steps to a healthier you
Episode 4- Exercise and Nutrition.
SI San Fernando thanks all who participated in their Endometriosis Challenge, 3K Obstacle race on 14th April, 2024 at Skinner Park which was a great success.
You are welcome to visit their Facebook Page to see all the wonderful pictures.
Yesterday was Pool Day !
Club mummies (and daddies) welcomed a fun Sunday afternoon for the kids at a Club grandma’s home today!
The little ones were treated to cookies & ice cream (as is customary for visits to grandma’s), and in this visit, there was the added bonus of endless fun in the swimming pool!
A truly wonderful afternoon for the little ones, and the grown ups too!
In celebration of IWD, SI San Fernando hosted a half day programme for 20 female Form IV students of San Fernando East Secondary School who were exposed to a very inspiring introduction to entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurs Tamara Fook, owner of Moonchild Beauty, and Gina Rampersad owner of Irrisistibly Sweet shared their personal journeys to becoming successful entrepreneurs.
NEDCO representative Nicole Siew shared useful information on the support offered by NEDCO to young entrepreneurs and gave great advice for females embarking on their own business.
The programme will continue with online sessions in the coming weeks.
SITT National Association extends happy birthday greetings and best wishes to Elsa Ferguson on her 98th birthday. Elsa was conferred with the title of Honorary Life Member of Soroptimist International San Fernando at the 50th AGM of SITT National Association on the 9th September 2023 in appreciation for her unwavering dedication, commitment and exceptional service
Happy 61st Anniversary to SI San Fernando. Giving thanks for 61 years of dedicated service and friendship. Keep up the good work sisters.
VISIT TO SAN FERNANDO EAST SECONDARY SCHOOL
Ms. Sandra Dieffenthaller and her team from Soroptimist International of San Fernando accompanied the team from The ANSA McAL Group.
Ms. Natalie Bibby, Corporate Sustainability Specialist and Ms. Sarah Inglefield, Head of Culture and Communications engaged our students as they discussed what they had learned through their exposure to the hydroponics systems. These two organizations had worked together
to provide our students with this enriching experience.
The team then visited the farm area to check on the growth of the plants.
Reaping time drawers near and way beyond the patchoi, lettuce and chive, our students would reap the rewards that come from hard work, effort, focus and teamwork.
We are grateful to both organizations for their support and guidance and look forward to our ongoing partnership
SAN FERNANDO EAST SECONDARY SCHOOL WERE RECIPIENTS OF TWO SOLARPONIX SYSTEMS
The staff and students of San Fernando East Secondary School were excited to be the recipients of two Solarponix systems as our Club continues to raise awareness and take action on climate change. The technologically advanced vertical hydroponic systems are based on renewable, recyclable resources and the project simultaneously addresses food security.
Following a lesson on Climate Change delivered by a Club member, students learnt how to set up and manage the systems – with a group of girls taking the lead on mixing the nutrients, populating the units with seedlings and learning how to toggle through the menu on the system’s ‘brain’. They are looking forward to harvesting their first crop in four weeks.
Soroptimist International clubs of T&T
Friendship Day 8th October 2023
Theme: The People Who Came
Soroptimist International San Fernando Video -portrayal of some English traditions.
International Day of Peace
To commemorate International Day of Peace SI San Fernando’s Peace Quilts comprised of Peace Patches from across the world, were displayed at Gulf City Mall’s Atrium.
The quilts are comprised of peace patches from Soroptimist Clubs around the world, the squares of fabric, each bearing a unique peace message were stitched together in a zig zag pattern indicating that while the road to peace is not a straight one, we are all united in our desire to achieve peace.
Let us not underestimate the power of individual actions in contributing to a more peaceful world.
Wonderful Birthday Celebrations- …….treasured memories!!!!!
Our Club celebrated in style on Saturday last as our treasured member Pat Manhin reached a milestone birthday- 80 years!! It was a double celebration as we also celebrated Sylvia Maharaj’s special birthday.
We were very honoured to have SI President Maureen Maguire – who was here on a project visit – in attendance!
We truly enjoyed the beautiful decor created by our member Camille and delicious food provided by members. Our in-house DJ Crystal even got our senior members and SI President Maureen to shake a leg – with non other than our nonegenarian Elsa!
This was one party that we will remember for many years to come – a true demonstration of SI San Fernando style!
SIGBI Day of Action – 15th July, 2023
This year, SIGBI Day of Action coincided with the United Nations World Youth Skills Day.
In an effort to encourage young girls to aquire new skills, Soroptimist International San Fernando had a fun workshop where we taught introductory courses in Nail Design (basic manicure) and Sewing (hand stitching, hemming, sewing on buttons and taking measurements).
The girls enjoyed the day and we were happy to give them the opportunity to learn new skills as well as teach them the value of acquiring these skills as a way of earning income.
Women inspiring action, transforming lives
SI San Fernando partners with SWMCOL
SI San Fernando wishes to thank the Solid Waste Management Company Limited (SWMCOL) for partnering with us in educating the Std 5 students of St Clement’s Vedic Primary School on the importance of recycling plastic waste.
SWMCOL facilitated a tour of their Beverage Container Recycling Facility and also did a very informative and educational video presentation on plastic pollution, the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ principles and Global Warming.
It was a great experience for the kids who are now promoting the green agenda at their school.
Women inspiring action, transforming lives
It is Membership Month &
We are Celebrating!
Congratulations and many thanks to Club member Alice Daniel, for 30 years of dedicated service to SI San Fernando!
Alice was presented with her Long Service Award at our Club’s May Business Meeting.
(L-R) Alice Daniel and President-Elect, Leigh-Anne Koylass Shand
Women inspiring action, transforming lives
SI SAN FERNANDO’S “DAY OF REFLECTION”
Our club’s Day of Reflection was a blast
With a ‘wear what you wish’ dress code ,
we saw everything from Pjs and pearls to African wear, scrubs, a tennis outfit and a fishing outfit
In typical SISF style we had great food, fun and activities (competitions with prizes) as we reflected on our likes, our challenges, what we need to change , what we want more of and what we could do better.
The consensus was that we’re doing great but could tweak a few things to make us an even better club
SI SAN FERNANDO DISPLAYS ART PIECES AT THE GULF CITY AUDITORIUM
We are extremely impressed by the entries for our National Association’s school art competition ‘Imagine a world without violence against women’
Many of the fantastic pieces submitted to our Club as well as to SI Anaparima were on display at Gulf City Mall.
SI SAN FERNANDO HOSTS FRIENDSHIP DAY
Today we hosted SITT’s Friendship Day – postponed from October last due to inclement weather. It was well worth the wait!!
The scenic La Vega Estate provided the backdrop to glorious weather and a throw back to the sixties to mark our Club’s 60th anniversary celebrated last year.
With 60’s outfits, music, dancing, games and a 60’s quiz, much excitement was generated as members competed for prizes in teams comprising members of different clubs.
After three years of virtual events it was a pleasure to see each other in person again and all agreed that it was a fantastic event
SI San Fernando’s Membership Officer conducted a training session for New Members
SI San Fernando Membership Officer Sandra Dieffenthaller conducted a training session for new members who joined during COVID lockdown. It was a very informative session that covered a wide range of topics from SI Structure to Club Culture. Programme Action formed a big part of the presentation and elicited much discussion. Apart from the delicious tea, the highlight of the session was the visit to the Hub where the new members were registered on spot and were able to see past PA reports. New member Natalya Rahamatula won a Dublin Conference pin for scoring the highest on the quiz that followed the presentation.
Charter team of SI San Fernando has Development Day for SI Couva
SI San Fernando was happy to have its first face to face Development Day with our baby club Soroptimist International Club of Couva. It was a very productive and inspiring session of learning and sisterhood in the true spirit of Soroptimism. The session was led by the charter team.
Glitz and Glamour
A celebration of 60 years
SI San Fernando held their 60th Anniversary celebration on the 3rd of December 2022 at Achievors Banquet Hall.
This was a fabulous and spectacular event which was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Everyone looked beautiful and glamorous in their various combinations of black and white outfits.
Two of the longest serving persons who were members when the club was chartered 60 years ago, Elsa Ferguson and Dorothy Callender (standing from left to right) each reach receive a bouquet of flowers from the club presented by Mayor of San Fernando, His Worship Junia Regrello.
Many thanks to all who supported this milestone and memorable event.
We’re 60!!!
Our Charter Anniversary was celebrated yesterday in fine style, with those of us who have earned the luxury of having lunch at a restaurant in the middle of a workday enjoying each other’s company Soong’s Great Wall Restaurant , and those of us looking forward to our golden years meeting up for after-work drinks at 519 Trinidad
Our President attended both events!!! A lovely time was had by all
Next stop – Our Gala Dinner & Dance on 03.12.22 where we’ll all celebrate this wonderful milestone in the company of our friends & family
Patches of Peace” Patchwork sheet in celebration of SI San Fernando 60th Anniversary
On November 23rd, 2022, Soroptimist International of San Fernando will be celebrating their 60th anniversary of charter.
Their theme is ‘Celebrating the Past, Pursuing a Peaceful Future for Women and Girls’.
They invited Soroptimist clubs around the world to join them in celebrating this milestone by contributing squares of fabric to their commemorative ‘Patches of Peace’ patchwork sheet.
Sandra Dieffenthaller and Renata Ramsaywak-Lalla collected Patches of Peace” from some of the delegates to the SI Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) conference which commenced today.
The sheet of patches will be displayed at their Anniversary Dinner & Dance on the 3rd of December, 2022.
To read the entire supplement, click on the link below to access our FlipBook:
https://online.fliphtml5.com/ahemv/zzmz/
We continue to make a difference in the lives of women and girls through programmes that educate, empower and enable.
Recent ones include:
Health Outreach in Outlying Areas
Endometriosis Educational Seminars for Girls
Life Skills Parenting Workshops for Autistic Children
Finding Your Purpose/Passion Seminar for Girls
Assistance to disabled university student
In order to achieve our programme work, two main annual fundraisers are held – a golf tournament and a luncheon. San Fernando Soroptimists keep the ‘fun’ in fund-raising, and enjoy celebrating significant milestones with members of our own, and other clubs.
We invite you to visit our webpage https://sigbi.org/san-fernando/
You can also like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SoroptimistInternationalofSanFernando/
and email us at soroptimist.sanfernando@gmail.com
