The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

The CHAMPS organisation, which stands for “Chosen, Honoured, Appointed, Motivated, Positive Sisters”, will celebrate its sixth anniversary with several unique events.

Started in April 2010 by Samita Ferguson with the goal of empowering and uniting young Bahamian women through an holistic approach, CHAMPS has seen many pass through its programme.

To celebrate its accomplishments over the years, the non-profit organisation will host a Brunch Talk on April 23 at the Harbour Front Coffee House. The sessions run from 11am to 2pm. The topic for the talk is “True Confessions...Moving Ahead”.

Mrs Ferguson told Tribune Woman that the topic will encompass a number of other issues, such as confessions about moving away from the will of God in one’s life, to confessions about low self-esteem.

“We hope to address those areas more. We will also be sharing fun-filled moments. Ladies ages 15 and over will benefit from this topic at hand,” she said.

“Attendees can expect an intimate day filled with open, honest talks, interactive activities, to bond with sisters no matter what age; a paradigm shift. Girls will also be enlightened to seek out mentors, someone they trust, which will enable them to share their true feelings, perhaps downfalls, hurdles that life may have presented. We also want to bring about an awareness that it does not matter how you start, but how you finish, and to finish strong.”

The upcoming Brunch Talk will be just one of many event that CHAMPS will host this year. It is the group’s aim to reach a new generation of Bahamian women by empowering and promoting positive tools for holistic change, Mrs Ferguson said.

“So many (women) hide behind a mask, never really admitting stuff. Women need to know that their testimony can lift someone up. I don’t care how professional or even saved we may be, we go through stuff and need to be reminded that there is an outlet to vent, to confess, whether via mentorship or a friend. But what is most important is finding the solace, that place of tranquillity in Jesus Christ.”

Other activities slated to celebrate CHAMPS’ anniversary include Brunch Talk 2 and the CHAMPS rally next month.