Scores of young persons from secondary schools across New Providence received Bronze and Silver Awards from a top program famed for its nation-building component.
In its first presentation ceremony of 2016, the Governor General's Youth Award (GGYA) disbursed 101 Bronze and 52 Silver Awards on Thursday at the National Centre for the Performing Arts on Shirley Street.
GGYA has enriched the lives of thousands of young Bahamians over its 29-year history of youth engagement.
"Although the Governor General's Youth Award is regarded as a youth program, it is undoubtedly among one of the most educational programs for young people in the country today," said Jerome Fitzgerald, minister of education, science and technology.
"Those who participate in the program gain tremendous skills that enrich and enhance various aspects of their lives."
Fitzgerald said lessons and values learnt in GGYA will prove to be invaluable for participants throughout their lives.
Life lessons
Case in point is Aquinas eleventh grade student Kamal Hudson who learnt the virtue of patience while fulfilling requirements for his Bronze Award.
"Being a team leader I had to ensure that my team stuck together throughout all our difficulties and problems. One of our members had a disability which slowed us down quite a bit but we didn't get angry with her we stuck by her," he recalled.
"I had to learn that patience is a virtue. I'm not normally that patient but as a team leader I had to learn and perfect my patience."
Meantime, pre-med University of West Indies student, Ashley Burrows credits the program with helping to endow her with a spirit of perseverance and self-motivation.
"When things get hard you're tempted to just stop and quit, but GGYA teaches you not to give up, even if you have to slow down your pace to get to your goal," said Burrows who began the program in 10th grade as a student at Nassau Christian Academy.
"GGYA taught me you have to see things through when you've made a commitment within yourself," said the 20 year-old who completed the requirements for her Silver Award some years ago but never turned in the necessary paperwork until recently.
A goal oriented program, GGYA provides an opportunity for youths between the ages of 14 to 24 to challenge themselves.
GGYA presents Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards to participants who fulfill requirements in four key areas -- skills, community service, physical recreation and adventurous journey (hiking).
Each award level requires an increasing commitment of time. It takes six months to achieve Bronze and another six months for Bronze recipients to fulfill the requirements for Silver. It takes an additional 12 months for a Silver recipient to obtain Gold.
Chairman of GGYA's management council Jack Thompson likened the progression to "laying blocks" creating a solid, character-building foundation useful throughout life.
Rewarding experience
According to Thompson the program is soaring to new heights.
"The numbers we are putting out is just mind boggling," he said.
Those involved with the program say that's because it provides a rewarding experience.
"GGYA teaches the students to be interdependent as a unit which brings them closer together and helps to develop camaraderie," said Aquinas unit leader, Brian Tappin. "It's a life changing experience for them."
Kingsway's 11th grade student Trey Lowe agreed.
"I enjoyed GGYA. I like meeting new people, learning new skills and being at one with nature," he said. "I think students should join. It requires so many different skills that we probably won't learn otherwise."
Captain Henry Curry, leader of the 23rd company of Boys Brigade at St Barnabas Church saw four of his charges receive Bronze Awards.
"It was challenging for me to get them to focus," he recalled. "Once I got them to focus they were rolling."
St. Barnabas benefited from the young men's efforts as they cleaned the church regularly to fulfill their community service requirement.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Rangers was another youth organization feeding into GGYA. The Rangers walked away with a total of 39 awards, 22 Bronze and 17 Silver.
Tasked with being a youth leader was Rangers Battalion Commander, 16-year-old Raven Pennerman.
"GGYA was a rewarding experience," said the Jordan Prince William student who received her Silver Award. "Like the Rangers [program] it taught me teamwork and that we must all work together. You learn not to stop, to persevere and keep moving. It was a great experience."

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