When Apryl Burrows was approached to have her Fashion Design students assist in making uniform skirts for two sisters who lost everything in a house fire on Acklins Island, she immediately sprang into action.
Ms. Burrows, who is Chair of Fashion at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) was approached by Associate Vice President of Fund Development, Alicia Thompson for assistance to make the skirts for the two daughters of Human Resources Management student, Leah Lightbourne. Ms. Lightbourne and her five children are now trying to get back on their feet with the help of the community.
Skirt Making was a course offered at BTVI during the spring semester and the last assignment was to pleat a skirt. Fashion Design students who sewed the uniforms included Kavanti McBride, Lynette Cash, Taliah Wright and Georga Seebalack.
“They did a superb job. The Fashion students paid even more special attention because of who the skirts were for and what they meant. Anything we could have done, we would have…it was an excellent opportunity. We ended the semester on a philanthropic note,” said Ms. Burrows.
“It has taught them that they can make fashionable, stylish clothing, but they can also use their skills to empower. They gave these children confidence to return to school and to feel good about themselves. They understand the impact,” she added.
The sisters, Aaliyah and Melissa are 16 and 13, respectively. The residents of Delectable Bay, attend Acklins Central High School and received two skirts each. The material was courtesy of Managing Director of Carey’s Fabric and Uniform Store, Kim Gibson.
Ms. Burrows underscored the importance of helping those in need.
“It’s vital to give back. We develop these talents and sometimes we can be very self-serving. It’s important to show the community, ‘We are here for you.’ It’s not all about dollars and cents. Leah is a part of the BTVI community, so it was a no-brainer. Also, teenagers are very self-conscious. They don’t want to be the odd one out,” said Ms. Burrows.
Additionally, Lynette Cash, who is in her second semester as a Fashion Design student spoke of the impact the fire had on her and the beauty in assisting others.
“We had just finished pleating skirts, so to get this practice was also timely. More than the practice, it was satisfying. We were able to help those in need. We all need help. I thought how they were disenfranchised. They lost everything. I wanted to offer my time and talent to help do something,” said the mother of three sons.
Ms. Cash’s classmate, Taliah Wright, also spoke on the opportunity to give back. “It was awesome being able to provide them with skirts. We really enjoyed the task. The incident was tragic and the opportunity was an important initiative. I really sat back and realized something like this could happen at any moment. We don’t know what position we can end up in. It was an eye opener. I felt for them,” said Taliah, who also just completed her second semester at BTVI.
Meanwhile, BTVI continues its wider community initiative to assist the family, under the theme, Beyond the Blaze. The institution is accepting gently used or new clothing, food, water, toiletries, household items, school supplies, toys and more.
Ms. Thompson noted that she was alerted to Leah’s plight by her classmate, Donette Sinclair-Danvers, who is also a BTVI employee.
“What was particularly touching about this initiative was that Leah attends virtually, yet her classmates embraced her as if they shared a physical space and rallied to solicit support on her behalf. President Robertson assigned me to oversee the project and immediately, Chromebooks were secured to ensure that Leah and her children were able to complete this semester uninterrupted,” said Ms. Thompson.
The response to the appeal for assistance was “overwhelming,” according to Ms. Thompson. Among supporters were individual employees and departments, the Grand Bahama campus, the BTVI Alumni Association, Carey's Fabric and Uniform Store, Sandy's Limited, Super Value Food Stores, Kelly's Home Centre, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) and Lowe's Wholesale.
“In fulfillment of one of our institution's strategic initiatives, ‘Connecting with our community and the world,’ it is gratifying to know that we were able to connect internally and provide relief to one of our own who is in need. We are immensely ‘BTVI Proud’ of our champions, the students of the skirt making class and Chair of Fashion, Apryl Burrows, who enthusiastically took on the challenge to make pleated uniform skirts for Leah's daughters. We join with Leah and express our gratitude to all who have assisted thus far. It is selfless acts such as these which continue to make us BTVI Strong,” she exclaimed.
