Girls B.E.C.O.M.I.N.G, D & G Foundation empowering Portland girls
THERE’S no denying the transformative effect a loving and supportive community can have on a child’s personal and academic development.
This kind of community support is exactly what Portland native Ingrid Stewart set out to provide for girls from communities in east Portland when she conceptualised Girls B.E.C.O.M.I.N.G (Bold, Engaged, Confident, Optimistic, Motivated, Inspired, Noble, Grateful). With the help of donors like the Desnoes and Geddes (D&G) Foundation, Ingrid has guided a group of 13 adolescent girls through an immersive two-year empowerment programme, with a second cohort already in the works.
“During my travels between Jamaica and the US over the years, I noticed that there had been a breakdown in the family structure and togetherness within the community I grew up in”, said Stewart, adding that she was also quite taken aback by high levels of teenage pregnancy and students dropping out of high school.
“I started making some inquiries with teachers and principals to find out why. These conversations sparked the passion that birthed Girls B.E.C.O.M.I.N.G. I wanted to help shape the future of young girls by providing inspiration and empowerment in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment.”
Two participants were chosen from each of the six partner schools with the assistance of guidance counsellors and principals. To be eligible for the programme the girls had to come from single-parent, low-income homes, and be able to start the programme in grade 6 in primary school and remain to the end of first form in high school. Stewart explained that Girls B.E.C.O.M.I.N.G is complementary to school and seeks to introduce participants to a wealth of activities and knowledge in health and wellness, nutrition, the arts, culinary arts, etiquette, public speaking and sports.
As the programme grew in complexity, so did the need for resources. Luckily for Stewart, the D&G Foundation came on board and provided financial and other support.
“Initiatives like this are what will help in moving Jamaica forward. Showing young women that they have the potential to be future entrepreneurs, doctors, technicians, artists, or whatever they aspire to be is a noble cause and the D&G Foundation is proud to be a part of that,” noted D&G Foundation accountant Dennis Beckford. “When our children feel that they have a community around them willing to share knowledge and provide guidance, they can flourish. These girls’ lives have changed forever because of the work Ingrid has done, and I am hopeful for the future and excited to see the continued growth of this programme.”
Expressing gratitude for the ongoing partnership with the D&G Foundation, Stewart remarked, “The D&G Foundation has been a godsend for us. I wanted the girls to be in a neutral, comfortable space that would allow them to take part in our activities. The foundation donated a stove, tables and chairs to facilitate this. They have provided monetary support for back-to-school supplies, school uniforms, books, lunch money and more. They have been gracious throughout this journey, acted as sounding boards, and offered guidance. With the support of the foundation the programme has created a community of support to help the girls grow and develop. I am proud when I see one of my girls confidently get up and speak in front of a group or master a new sport like swimming, kayaking or skateboarding — something outside what people traditionally expect of them.”
Stewart concluded, “They were also able to see each other grow and improve, and [they] encouraged each other without teasing or bullying. The first batch of girls have graduated but we continue to be a part of their community, meeting monthly and ensuring that the work towards a better version of themselves continues.”