The Ministry of Social Services, through its Community Affairs Division, recently celebrated the achievements of dozens of participants who successfully completed the Spring 2026 Empowerment Hour Programme in the Pinewood Gardens and Carmichael communities.
Held under the theme “Unlocking New Horizons,” the closing ceremonies recognized participants who completed a wide range of personal development, life skills and vocational training courses designed to strengthen individuals, families and communities.
The Empowerment Hour Programme is a free, 12-week initiative offering daytime and after-school sessions focused on personal growth, career development, entrepreneurship, culinary arts, backyard farming, financial independence and community resilience. Participants also received training in areas such as American Sign Language, sewing and garment making, make-up application, art appreciation, lifestyle wellness, mental health awareness, civic responsibility and environmental stewardship.
At the Pinewood Gardens Community Programme, participants were recognized for completing courses including Becoming a Better You, Personal Growth and Development, Entrepreneurial Skills, American Sign Language, Sewing and Garment Making, Culinary Arts, Lifestyle Wellness, Mental Health Awareness and Civics: Know Your Rights. The programme also featured a fashion showcase highlighting garments created by participants enrolled in the sewing classes.
Similarly, graduates of the Flamingo Gardens Family Life Centre Empowerment Programme in Carmichael were honoured for successfully completing courses in entrepreneurship, American Sign Language, sewing, make-up application, art appreciation, culinary arts, backyard farming, lifestyle wellness and mental health awareness. Students of the After-School Homework Enrichment Programme also participated in the ceremony through poetry, musical performances and special presentations.
Permanent Secretary Mrs. Phedra Rahming-Turnquest, in remarks delivered during the Carmichael ceremony, encouraged participants to continue building on the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme and to use those tools to create opportunities for themselves and their families.
The Empowerment Hour Programme forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to helping Bahamians move from dependency to self-sufficiency and economic empowerment. By equipping participants with practical skills, personal development tools and entrepreneurial knowledge, the programme seeks to foster greater confidence, resilience and independence within communities throughout The Bahamas.
Senior Community Affairs Officer and Officer-in-Charge of the Community Affairs Division, Dr. Shenique Davis, commended the participants for their dedication and perseverance throughout the 12-week programme. She also acknowledged the instructors, facilitators, community partners and Ministry staff whose contributions helped make the programme a success.
As graduates received certificates and showcased their accomplishments, the ceremonies served as a reminder that empowerment begins with opportunity, and that investing in people remains one of the most effective ways to build stronger families and stronger communities.
Source: Felicity Darville
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