By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday, 11th September 2024) – “I believe that finding a good mentor is invaluable and can be important for young people to navigate the complexities of career choices and personal growth. In addition, I fully understand that not all of our young people have access to professional mentors to help them navigate the trail to professions that may interest them.” So said Featured Speaker at the Prime Minister’s Lecture Series held on Tuesday 10th September 2024 Business Executive, Attorney, Diplomat Lecturer and Public Relations Hadiya Claxton of St.
Kitts-Nevis, ahead of officially launching a mentorship programme called Trailblaze SKN, aimed at empowering teens and young adults in St. Kitts and Nevis. The lecture series event was held at the Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) located in Bird Rock, St.
Kitts as part of the federation’s 41st Independence anniversary celebration under the theme ‘Together, A People, Proud and Strong: Independence 41.’ Among those in attendance were Governor General Dame Marcella Liburd, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew and his wife Diani Prince-Drew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Youth and Education Dr.
Geoffrey Hanley as well as scores of high school students. Of note, Claxton is a Special Envoy for Investment, Development, and International Business Relations in the Office of the Prime Minister. As understood, the programme, of which she would be one of the mentors, is designed to provide professional mentorship opportunities and guidance for young people, helping them navigate career choices and personal growth.
“I now announce Trailblaze SKN will be a professional mentorship program for teens and young adults,” Claxton said as she addressed the audience at the event. “I will serve as a mentor myself, and I have already enlisted quite a number of professionals from the St.
Kitts and Nevis diaspora, both locally and abroad.” According to her: “I have invested much time and effort so far in making advancements in educational opportunities for citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Trailblaze program is another step toward further progress.
We want mentors in this program to be able to truly invest the time needed to develop lasting relationships with their mentees. We also want to make sure that the mentees who are a part of this program are actually interested in themselves and are invested in their own growth.” Claxton explained that the mentorship program is more than just a platform for career advice as it is a commitment to the development of the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals.
“I believe that every young person has the potential to be a trailblazer, to leave a mark and to lead with confidence and with purpose. In this program, our mentors, seasoned professionals who have walked their own unique paths, will share their knowledge, their experience, and their insights.
They will serve as guides, helping our mentees to navigate the complexities of college choices, career choices, personal development, and the challenges that simply come with growth. But just as importantly, they will be there to listen, to encourage, and to spark the passion that lies within each of our participants.
Trailblaze SKN is built on the belief that mentorship is a two-way street. It’s about forging relationships that transcend the traditional boundaries of teaching and learning, creating a community where ideas flow freely and dreams can be nurtured.” “…I fully understand that not all of our young people have access to professional mentors to help them navigate the trail to professions that may interest them.” As highlighted by Claxton, the programme will not only involve local professionals but also tap into the St.
Kitts and Nevis diaspora, including professionals from across the greater Caribbean region. Furthermore, the mentors will be paired with teens and young adults to provide guidance and support as they navigate their own career paths.
She said the programme will also focus on personal development, ensuring that participants are well-rounded and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. “Our mission is simple yet profound. To equip teens and young adults with the tools, with guidance, and inspiration that they need to carve their own paths in the professional world.” The announcement of the mentorship program comes at a time when St.
Kitts and Nevis is celebrating 41 years of independence. Claxton tied the program’s goals to the broader national spirit of progress and development, encouraging the younger generation to step up and take charge of their future.
“As we celebrate 41 years of independence, remember that this moment is not just about looking back, but about looking forward. You are the architects of our nation’s success.
Your ideas, your energy, and your ambition will shape what our islands become in the years ahead.” Claxton called on young people to embrace opportunities for learning and personal growth, stressing that education extends beyond earning a degree. As encouraged by her: “Take every opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills.
I still embrace every opportunity to read-absolutely every opportunity to read any kind of book that is available for me to read. Education is not just about a degree. While sometimes a degree may be what is needed along your path, education is not just about a degree.
It’s about growing and evolving through your life.” Claxton also called upon the business community in St. Kitts and Nevis to get involved, asking for professionals willing to offer their time and expertise as mentors. She mentioned that those interested could reach out via email to become part of the Trailblaze SKN initiative.
“I would like to ask the business community here in St. Kitts and Nevis to reach out to the Ministry of Education if you are interested in becoming a mentor and being matched to a student through the Trailblaze SKN program,” she said.
Claxton underscored the vision she has for Trailblaze SKN. “My vision for Trailblaze SKN is bold. We aim to inspire a generation of young professionals who are not just prepared to enter the workforce but are ready to redefine it,” she said.
“Together, we will create a legacy of excellence, one Trailblazer at a time.” Interested individuals are asked to make contact via email at trailblazeskn@gmail. com. Front Page Photo: Featured Speaker at the Prime Minister’s Lecture Series Business Executive, Attorney, Diplomat Lecturer and Public Relations Hadiya Claxton of St.
Kitts-Nevis, while addressing the audience on Tuesday 10th September 2024 (SKNIS Photo)
