Volunteering - Key to a Rounded Education

Volunteering is key to the youth as it permits them to gain experiences so often missing from their education. In my more youthful days, opportunities to gain competence in any given area rarely existed in a structured environment, and if they did, they were not readily known. 

Nowadays, there are Caribbean Vocational Qualifications [CVQs] and Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence [CCSLC]. We also have the certificates offered by the Cffb to volunteers which speak to the areas within which they volunteered. 

We orchestrate the youth into the activities of the Cffb where they are included in activities of the foundation which permit them to gain experience. This year, we will be enhancing the program where they will be training included before they are released to the public. 

Training will include:

• Information on the Cffb
• Background of cystic fibrosis
• Areas where volunteering are available
• The expectations of a volunteer

It is expected that the training will help them enhance the following:

• Their writing skills
• Their speaking skills
• Their social skills 
• Their planning and organizational skills 

The program offered by the foundation will be ongoing where we will interact with a variety of interested schools. The schools that we have interacted with so far have asked us to continue to do so as they see value in the program. We believe that we are developing young leaders! 

Making a difference with CF care donations

Living with Cystic Fibrosis [CF] does not only affect the individual suffering from the illness, it impacts their family as well. The adaptations of lifestyle are noticed especially when older siblings then have to care for younger ones who may sufferers since they have to be more attentive.

Apart from the excess care of loved ones, financial care is really needed as CF demands that the sufferer takes medication and treatments that are quite expensive; even for a two (2) parent household.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados [Cffb] was established to build awareness, assist with care, and contribute towards finding a cure as capacity is built. Functioning under the slogan of "Aware to Care", The Cffb has been raising funds tirelessly; each year trying to surpass previous levels of contribution as the costs of care continue to escalate.

So far, the assistance being provided is but a trickle by the organization's estimation as so the focus is maintained to build awareness and generate more opportunities for offering care.

Pictured above are parents of children with CF receiving their care package contributions by the Treasurer, Ms. Linda Foster for the year 2015.

In 2017, by the Cffb not having the gala dinner, the organization is faced with the challenge of raising necessary funds to provide for the children whose overseas doctor visits are rapidly approaching. In essence, we want to make a substantial difference in our donations and exceed what we have donated in the past to those families who need urgent assistance.