Press Release

Graduates of the Empowerment Hour Programme in the Fox Hill and Carmichael communities were celebrated this past week as the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting (MOSSIB), through its Community Affairs Division, marked the successful completion of another cycle of its community-based empowerment initiative.

The programme, launched earlier this year in collaboration with the Ministry of National Security and other government agencies, is designed to equip children, teens, and adults with practical life skills, confidence, and tools for personal and economic advancement.

Graduation ceremonies were held at the Fox Hill and Carmichael community centres, bringing together families, facilitators, and Ministry officials to recognize the progress and perseverance of participants.

Minister LaRoda: “Your Achievements Matter”

Speaking to graduates in Fox Hill, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda, applauded participants not only for completing the programme, but for what lies ahead.

“Today, we celebrate not only what you have accomplished, but also the promise of what you will do with these skills — how you will apply them to better your lives, uplift your families, and strengthen your community,” Minister LaRoda said.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to community empowerment, assuring graduates that government support does not end at the ceremony.

“As a Ministry, we remain committed to standing with you. Wherever our people are, wherever growth is needed, we will be there,” he said.
“Today, we celebrate because you matter, your achievements matter, and your future matters.”

Skills That Build Confidence and Create Opportunity

The Empowerment Hour Programme is intentionally structured to address different age groups and needs through multiple components:

• Daytime Empowerment Programme for Adults, which provided practical and marketable skills including sewing, backyard farming, sign language, and financial planning, helping participants move toward self-reliance and, in many cases, a pathway to employment or small enterprise.
• “I Have the Power” Youth Empowerment Programme, focused on adolescents and teens, emphasizing self-esteem building, conflict resolution, emotional awareness, and personal development.
• After-School Enrichment Programme, offering homework assistance, arts and crafts, and structured enrichment activities designed to support academic success and positive social engagement for younger children.

Together, these programmes create a holistic empowerment model that strengthens individuals while reinforcing family and community resilience.

Permanent Secretary Turnquest: “You Transformed Your Own Story”

Addressing graduates in Carmichael, Permanent Secretary Phedra Turnquest commended participants for taking the initiative to invest in themselves and their futures.

“You transformed your own story by being willing to come forward and learn new skills — new tools to equip you for success,” she told the graduates.

She encouraged participants to walk confidently into their next chapter, urging them to “walk tall and become who you are meant to be,” while underscoring the importance of recognizing progress.

“Graduation ceremonies are important because progress deserves recognition,” Mrs. Turnquest said, adding that MOSSIB is committed to supporting communities in meaningful ways that empower people to level up and help themselves.

Building Stronger Communities

Through partnerships, accessible community spaces, and responsive programming, the Empowerment Hour Programme reflects MOSSIB’s continued focus on prevention, empowerment, and opportunity as pillars of social development.

Through Empowerment Hour, MOSSIB is proving that when people are given the tools, support, and belief they need, entire communities rise with them.

The post Empowerment Hour Graduates Celebrate Growth, Skills, and New Possibilities appeared first on ZNS BAHAMAS.