The Community Affairs Division of the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting has expanded its Empowerment Hour Programme to now include the Fox Hill Community Centre, Romer Street and Fox Hill Road. The programme was initially launched at the Flamingo Gardens Family Life Centre, Flamingo Gardens.
The inaugural session at the Fox Hill Community Centre will commence September 8, 2025, with the launch of the Daytime Hour of Power session, followed by the launch of the “I Have the Power” Hour After-School Programme for High School students on Wednesday, September 10.
A 12-Week programme for persons who have aged out of school, the Daytime Hour of Power session offers instruction in American Sign Language for Beginners, backyard farming for all ages and abilities, Career Planning, Culinary Arts, Entrepreneurial Skills-building, Know Your Rights, and Healthy Lifestyles segments at no cost to participants.
Men’s and Women’s Only Clubs, in addition to Sewing Clubs are also part of the programme. Garment-making classes for beginners and intermediate learners will be “rolled out” at the Fox Hill Centre. Jam-making sessions will also be included.
The I Have the Power Hour After-School Programme is designed “to bring out the greatness and leadership qualities” in 7-12 grade students by providing participants with the mechanisms to make the “transformation from ordinary students, into extraordinary leaders, by addressing the everyday challenges teenagers face, among them, bullying and peer pressure, while also providing students with the tools needed to boost confidence levels. Homework assistance is also provided as part of the programme.
The partnership is the result of an ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, which provides the programmes, and the Ministry of National Security, which provides the facilities in terms of use of its community centres in-country, as part of nation-wide efforts to strengthen families and communities.
The Empowerment Hour Programme focuses on equality, equity, and wellness instead of illness; capabilities instead of shortfalls; strengths instead of weaknesses, and inclusion, instead of exclusion. Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda said he was excited by the early results.
“This Programme cuts across the generational and gender divide, as it is designed for people of all ages, genders and abilities,” Minister LaRoda said.
“Hundreds of children, youth, and adults of all abilities have benefitted from it at no cost to themselves or their loved ones. The Programme also aims to promote social and economic empowerment, while reducing mental health issues caused by traumatic events that can result in social isolation and withdrawal among vulnerable groups,” Minister LaRoda added.
Another key component of the Programme is that it is “back-pack ready”, meaning that it can be readily transported and customized to meet the specific needs of residents of any community across the archipelago – making the programme available at a national level.
“Our goal in the Community Affairs Division is to ensure self-sustainability among our families and communities,” Minister LaRoda said. “We also aim to help with building community camaraderie, resilience, and fostering a greater sense of national pride among our residents.”
Minister LaRoda said the collaboration with the Ministry of National Security is a long-standing one and is evidence that “teamwork makes the dream work.”
“Through this alliance, we have been able to take the Empowerment Hour Programme to wider audiences in the communities using the Ministry of National Security’s Community Centres. We are excited to partner with the residents of Fox Hill as we roll out our garment-making classes for beginners and intermediate learners, in addition to a jam-making session.
“We extend our thanks to the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe, K.C., Permanent Secretary Bridget Hepburn, and their team for welcoming us and working diligently alongside us to ensure our residents receive the support and care they deserve,” Minister LaRoda added.
