USVI Y-Teen, Kala Moore wins $1000 essay scholarship grant
YWCA members of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) celebrated with Kala Moore, 17 year old, Y-Teen member who was the winner of a $1000 essay scholarship grant. The scholarship was part of the 4th Annual Women’s and Girls Health Mentorship Day and the 11th annual National Women’s Health Week, coordinated by the Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The main aim of the Health week was to bring awareness about women’s health issues and also to provide women with information on how they can live longer, healthier, and most importantly, happier lives. The youth aspect of the program was designed for students interested in a career in the health field who will return to the Virgin Islands to serve the community after obtaining a degree in this area.
Kala, who was encouraged to participate in the programme by the YWCA of the USVI president Mrs. Donnalie Cabey, saw it as a good opportunity to learn about the medical field and the responsibilities that are involved in the various professions within the field, and more specifically nursing, as she plans to pursue a career in that area. The exposure was one that she was very grateful for.” The experience of seeing the daily work of an individual inside a hospital is so inspiring and heart warming,” shared Kala, when asked to share on her experience. One of the important lessons she learnt was the importance of confidentiality and the consequences that can follow when that trust is not kept. As a teenager she thought this a good lesson not only for herself but one she can share with her friends.
"It's very exciting, and I was proud to represent the YWCA of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It was through this organisation, and my fellow sisters that I was able to win this scholarship. I owe it all to them," expressed Kala. As for her plans for the money, she intends to use it to assist in furthering her studies, as she begins university in the fall.
The YWCA of the USVI has been one of the community groups supporting the event for the last three years and is thrilled that one of their own young women was the recipient of the scholarship grant this year. As a supporter of the programme the YWCA provides gifts to the participants and also gives a motivating and encouraging speech to the participants and organisers of the program. Marie-Claude Julsaint, Programme Director for the Americas and the Caribbean was privy to speak at one of the previous ceremonies, while visiting the local association, and this year president of the association Ms Donnalie Edwards-Cabey distributed gifts and inspired the women present, with her motivating words.
The World YWCA is dedicated to seeing young women grow and succeed and programmes such as these are greatly supported and welcomed at the local and national level as well as at the World Office.
