More than 100 girls gathered at Rawson Square on Saturday, October 10, 2026, for the launch of an eight-week leadership programme celebrating International Day of the Girl Child, where Minister of Urban Renewal and Community Relations, the Hon. Lisa T. Rahming, shared a moving personal testimony about overcoming hardship and finding her path to leadership.
Spearheaded by the International Dance Council Bahamas, the initiative brought together girls from Urban Renewal centres, Girl Guides Bahamas and other participating groups. Through practical instruction, mentorship and personal development, the programme will help participants build confidence, discover their abilities and prepare for greater responsibility in their communities.
Dr. Ann Higgins, President of the World Dance Council Nassau Section, opened the event. She organised the initiative alongside Florida-based Daphne Towns, who also addressed the gathering. The launch set the stage for eight weeks of learning under the message “Empowered Girls, Stronger Nations.”
Among those present was Bianca Mathurin, a graduate of last year’s programme and a survivor of a tragic car accident on Shirley Street that claimed the lives of several of her friends.
In a moving moment during the launch, the organisers and Minister Rahming gathered around Mathurin, laid hands on her and offered a prayer of blessing. Her presence served as a powerful testimony of survival, strength and the importance of surrounding young women with compassion, faith and support during life’s most difficult moments.
Minister Rahming’s address offered the girls a deeply personal example of how difficult beginnings can be overcome through faith, determination and opportunity.
She spoke of growing up with a single mother and being raised by her grandmother, who already had eight children of her own. Coming into that household, she knew what it felt like to be last—to be fed last, considered last and have to wait while the needs of others were met.
She recalled the hardships of her school years, including going without the name-brand items other children enjoyed and facing discouraging comments from people who did not believe she would amount to much.
By sharing her own story, Minister Rahming helped the participants understand that someone standing before them as a minister had also experienced disappointment and the feeling of being overlooked. Her testimony reassured the girls that they were not alone in the challenges they faced.
She described prayer as an important source of strength throughout her journey. Acceptance into the police force became a significant opportunity, although gaining entry was itself a struggle she had to persevere through.
Her message to the girls was that their present circumstances need not limit their ambitions. The challenges they face today do not erase their potential, and the doubts of others do not determine what they can become.
The participation of girls from Urban Renewal centres connected the ministry’s community work with an initiative designed to broaden opportunities for young people. The launch provided encouragement and access to a programme offering continued support beyond the day’s activities.
Dr. Jacinta Higgs addressed the spiritual aspect of empowering girls, adding an important dimension to the discussions on leadership and personal development. Her contribution placed spiritual growth alongside the practical skills and confidence the programme seeks to develop.
A dance troupe from Akhepran International Academy, with a student instructor participating, also contributed to the event. Their presentation included dance and flag movements, bringing cultural expression and student involvement into the launch.
Leija Burrows of Girl Guides Bahamas encouraged the girls through a message focused on service and its role in shaping their lives.
She explained that service gives girls commitment and structure while helping them develop valuable life skills. By contributing to the well-being of others, girls can strengthen their own sense of responsibility and become more engaged members of their communities.
Her contribution reinforced the connection between personal growth and community service, showing how opportunities to help others can also prepare girls for leadership.
Following the launch, participants will attend Saturday sessions at the Division of Youth, Ministry of Youth and Sports. The programme runs through November 28, 2026, and will introduce the girls to a broad range of practical and developmental activities.
Instruction will include handicrafts, electrical applications and STEM—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—alongside financial planning and management. Participants will also explore leadership, wellness, mentorship and the performing arts.
Confidence building will form an important part of the experience, with guest speakers and mentors providing guidance and encouragement as the girls learn new skills and consider possibilities for their futures.
The combination of practical learning, spiritual development, service and mentorship offers participants several pathways to discover their strengths. It also creates opportunities for girls to learn from one another and build supportive relationships throughout the eight weeks.
A graduation ceremony is planned for November 28, 2026, to recognise their participation and achievements.
The launch brought together leaders whose messages shared a common purpose: helping girls recognise their value, develop their abilities and move forward with confidence.
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