The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

SIXTEEN children from at risk communities in New Providence discovered that Cat Island is indeed a mystical island, complete with magic trees and healing ponds. They participated in a 10-day summer leadership camp in Cat Island organised by the Indaba Project and the Bahamas Sportsfishing and Conservation Association (BSCA).

The Island Stewards Camp (ISC) exposes underserved Bahamian youth to “a transformative series of experiences and challenges, designed to deepen their understanding of the environment and culture of the Bahamas. The camp engages students in a holistic approach to collaborative community service and activities designed to promote conservation and sustainable practices”.

The United States Embassy recognised Tribune Features Editor Noelle Nicolls, an Indaba Project volunteer and camp facilitator, last Wednesday at the U.S ambassador’s residence. The ceremony honoured five recipients of State Alumni Youth Outreach Small Grants, including: Therena Cunningham of S.T.R.A.W, Nikita Shiel-Rolle of Young Marine Explorers, Antonius Roberts for the National Bench Programme, and Dr David Burrows of Winners Touch.

On behalf of the Indaba Project, Noelle was awarded a $5000 grant to help finance the Island Stewards Camp in August. As a former participant of a US Embassy exchange programme - a women’s reporting tour for Caribbean journalists - Noelle joined the ranks of state alumni who are eligible for occasional grants.

The Indaba Project a non-profit community-based organisation based in Grants Town that assists in the positive development and empowerment of members of the community.

Indaba’s core activity is an after school programme that started in 1997 by engineer Mtumwa Cleare and educator Ean Maura, both FirstCaribbean Unsung Heroes. They remain at the core of all activities. At least 30 children participate in the free after school programme under the Indaba tent on Fowler Street. Sessions run three days per week with planned activities that include homework assistance, reading and research, cultural immersion, community service, performing arts, and education field trips.

“Our guiding principle is reflected in the South African concept ‘Sankofa’, which translates, go back and fetch it. Our mission is to empower African people around the world to resolve their own issues and network with others who have a similar purpose. With a clear understanding that children are our future, the Indaba Project works steadfast to teach our children how to fish,” said Noelle.

The ISC initiative is three years old. Stewards, as the high school age campers are called, have travelled to Andros, Acklins and Cat Island so far to engage in the island life experiences.

“ISC is designed to expose the children to the fullness of the country they live in. We want to deepen their understanding of the natural environment, the history, culture and richness of the country. We want to strengthen their ability to survive and thrive in a sustainable way in their own country,” said Noelle.

She said many children in the Bahamas lack knowledge of their cultural traditions, are disconnected from the wholeness of the natural environment, suffer economic marginalisation, and view themselves as having little value. They camp helps to address all of these issues.

Farming and swimming experiences featured prominently on the 2012 camp. Children harvested a large field of watermelons on the farm of camp host Reverend and Mrs King, proprietors of the Lakeview Motel in Zonicle Hill.

During this visit they learned first hand how a Family Island packing house operates. Noelle said the experience helped the stewards to “understand the complete chain of food production,” including retail business. Rev King donated watermelons to the group to sell in the community when they returned to Nassau.

Stewards benefited from the ISC learn-to-swim programme which featured early morning and late afternoon swims on the beach.

The camp featured other customary ISC activities, including hiking, caving and crabbing; visiting historical sites, such as Mount Alvernia, the Deveaux Plantation, and the railroad tracks; meeting elders and engaging in island-specific cultural encounters, such as cracking stones, sampling flour cakes, and exploring rake ‘n scrape. Collecting cans and bottles, a major source of funding for the camp, was another activity.

Though funding is a major challenge, volunteer Ean Maura said “support from the people in the community has really has kept us going”.

The Indaba Project also hosts a community lecture series with local and international scholars and a Black Empowerment Film Festival. The two events serve as a platform for community dialogue.

The organisation frequently collaborates with groups who share its vision of black empowerment and national development.

In March 2012, the Indaba partnered with Spelman College, an historically black college in Atlanta, Georgia, to host an international exchange programme that focused on collecting the stories of Bahamian elders, celebrating culture and conserving the environment.

The oral history project brought together Spelman independent student scholars, Spelman professors, volunteers of the Indaba Project and stewards from the Island Stewards Camps.

Other ISC sponsors include the Cable Cares Foundation, the Royal Bank of Canada, Donalds Furniture, Bahamas Red Cross, Nature Conservancy, and a number of private individuals.

Follow the Women’s Section for features on the other community based programmes recognised by the US Embassy.