Thirty bright, hopeful young girls stepped confidently into their next chapter on Saturday as they graduated from the International Day of the Girl Child Leadership Programme. The ceremony, held at the Edmund Moxey Cultural Centre, brought together families, mentors, and community leaders to celebrate eight weeks of empowerment, learning, and personal transformation.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, Mrs. Phedra Rahming-Turnquest, delivered words that set the tone for the day. Speaking directly to the girls, she urged them to “hold your head high, no matter your circumstances, and never let anyone define who you are.” She encouraged them to conduct themselves with dignity, to remember that God loves them, and to stand firmly on good morals and principles as they navigate life.
“Find your passion and pursue it,” she told them. “Money will come—but what you will have is true fulfillment. By doing your best as girls, you lay the foundation to become the influential women of tomorrow.”
This year’s programme was guided by the inspiring theme:
“The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead — Girls on the Frontline of Crises.”
Classes were held every Friday afternoon from October 6 to December 5, providing the girls with a structured, supportive space to grow week by week.
The initiative, a partnership between the World Congress of Dance – Nassau Section and the Ministry, was spearheaded by Dr. Ann Higgins, President of the International Dance Council–CID UNESCO. Dr. Higgins has devoted her life to using dance and the performing arts as tools for positive change, especially in the lives of children. Her vision for this leadership programme was to equip adolescent and teenage girls with the confidence, discipline, and life skills needed to thrive.
Over the eight-week course, the girls participated in dynamic sessions on leadership, wellness, finance, performing arts, and social skills development. The final session, delivered on graduation day, focused on financial literacy and was taught by Achara Grant-Wash, Economic and Trade Officer, who encouraged the girls to be thoughtful, responsible stewards of their resources.
Throughout the programme, an impressive cadre of women mentors poured into the girls:
- Dr. Deborah Bartlett, Media Consultant
- Dr. Fann Bowe, Technical Trade Officer, who taught basic electrical wiring
- Branishka Bullard, Brand Ambassador for the Ranfurly Home for Children
- Sandena Neely, Youth Consultant
- Tyrhonda Glinton, President of FEM STEM Bahamas, who encouraged STEM career exploration
- Philippa Dean, Director of Dignified Girls
- Sheryl Knowles, Spiritual Advisor
Each presenter left what participants described as “nuggets of wisdom” that shaped their outlook and expanded their understanding of what is possible.
A touching highlight of the graduation was the girls’ performance of “Mary Did You Know,” beautifully reminding the audience of the meaning of the festive season. Their poise and confidence were a testament to the personal growth nurtured throughout the programme.
The graduates were awarded certificates of participation and showered with thoughtful gifts—including perfumes, purses, and care packages—symbolizing the community’s pride in their accomplishment.
Many of the girls spoke about how the programme “changed their lives,” giving them new skills, new confidence, and new dreams.
For Dr. Higgins, this transformation is exactly the goal. “When we equip girls with tools to lead, express themselves, and dream fearlessly, we strengthen families, communities, and our nation,” she said.
Saturday’s celebration affirmed a powerful truth: when women leaders invest in girls, the ripple effects reach far into the future. And for these thirty graduates, the journey to becoming tomorrow’s influential women has already begun.
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