BAVINA SOOKDEO
Blessin Anika Mitchell is truly a blessing to many. The 27-year-old from Carapichaima, has a simple yet profound goal, and Girls with Grace, her brainchild, serves as a testament to her dedication to moulding a generation of self-assured and resilient women.
“What motivated me to start Girls with Grace was my desire to create employment for myself while being able to do what I love.
[caption id="attachment_1068832" align="alignnone" width="768"] During their vacation camp, Girls with Grace participants had a bookmark making activity with Miss Corissa. The programme encourages reading every day. -[/caption]
“I was unhappy at the school that I was teaching at, because of the management, but I loved being in the classroom and around the children.”
Mitchell found solace in the classroom but yearned for a more fulfilling path.
“Every teaching opportunity I got, I found the young girls always gravitated towards me,” she said. Her connection with her students as a driving force behind her venture.
“I struggled for a long time, trying to figure out how I can use my talents to create employment for myself.
“I did not want to open a school or do private tutoring, I wanted to find something fun and different to do.
“I put a lot of trust in God, because I really did not want to give up on my passion of educating children, and what I like most about working with children is making them happy.
“With Girls with Grace, I get to do just that. I found a way to still be able to teach important morals and values to children while also exposing them to a variety of different fun activities.”
[caption id="attachment_1068829" align="alignnone" width="768"] Girls are taught about spreading peace through caring for younger siblings and relatives through Blessin Mitchell’s Girls with Grace initiative. They learn how to hold a baby, change a diaper and swaddle a baby. [/caption]
Launched in September 2023, Girls with Grace was strategically timed to align with the start of the academic year, offering young girls a familiar structure reminiscent of school. “So when school is open we are open, and when school is closed, we host camp during the week” Mitchell said.
The organisation primarily caters to girls aged four-12, providing a range of activities and programmes for various interests and needs. From beauty and health to sports, caring for the environment and career exploration, Girls with Grace offers a holistic approach to education, and aims to nurture both the minds and spirits of its participants.
“The primary focus is on imparting important morals and values to girls, such as perseverance, responsibility, courage and love, among others, which they can carry into adulthood.
[caption id="attachment_1068830" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Girls with Grace particiapants learn about peace and are taught to spread peace through gardening and caring for the environment. -[/caption]
“The activities are designed around these teachings and cover a wide range. Field trips are also a part of the p
