Optimist Club of Hairouna, SVG launched

A commitment to do more for the children of this country has been made by the newly established Optimist Club of Hairouna, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

At a ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s residence last Saturday, members of the organisation were installed and President Margaret Lewis-John was officially given the instruments to conduct meetings such as the bell, gavel and banner with the creed.{{more}}

Outlining what was Optimism, Lewis-John said that a positive outlook contributed to things such as good health, greater achievement and less stress.

The President said that the international theme this year was “Love The Children” but this country’s theme was “Love” with the sub-title, “By Providing Hope and Positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in Children.”

She pointed out that Optimists had already shared love with pre-schoolers in Sandy Bay and Owia in December by handing out some 60 books and promised to make other donations throughout the country

Lewis-John said teaching children to read was one of the best gifts a person could give and she announced that in April the group would begin their reading project.

The Optimist leader said that many pre-schoolers often lay their heads on their hands or bags or items of clothing to take naps and the group would embark on a pillow-making project in April to ensure that the youngsters get a comfortable rest.

Featured speaker at the event, Reginald Thomas, gave a personalised touch to the Optimist creed and inspired the members to always live by the words and not just recite it. Thomas said often people were in a rush to achieve material things and neglected to give their children love and called on everyone to join in the Optimists’ move to help children.

Past District Secretary Patricia Brathwaite who journeyed from overseas to attend the event, praised the initiative of the local Optimists and warned them never to be “in the grand stands” but to “become participants” who impacted change.

Brathwaite outlined that the Optimist group was started in Buffalo New York in 1908 by a group of Insurance Executives who wanted to help delinquent boys in their community. She said that it was later realised that not only the boys but also young girls needed help and so the Optimist movement became a worldwide movement for children.