Sunset Liguanea shares Optimism with Eve for Life

The morning of Monday May 13 was not just another regular Monday morning for members of the Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea. It was the first activity in what President Lavern Brown has dubbed, "the packed month of May" and we were gathering at the new premises of EVE for Life, an empowering NGO that supports women and children living with HIV, on Richmond Park Avenue in Kingston, Jamaica.
Sunset Liguanea was fulfilling a year-old promise to support the establishment of a reading area for the young people who benefit from the initiatives taken by EVE for Life. So, on Monday, as President Lavern noted, "when we make a promise we keep it", the club was handing over books, bags, a micro wave oven, and a wall fan to the organisation.
On hand to receive the well needed items were Chairperson of EVE for Life, Emma Lewis who noted that as someone with experience in the book industry she understands and appreciates the effort at getting reading materials for the young women. Responding to the additional support items she said, “These are all practical and useful gifts that will enhance our programmes”.

Other members of the EVE family present included Director of Programmes and Training, Joy Crawford who is also the co-founder of the organisation which has become such a critical support system for young people, particularly girls, who face many challenges due to their status.
Miss Crawford's commitment and passion for the empowerment of young people cannot be questioned as she is among the leading advocates calling for young people to be given a voice at the decision making level. Young people she argues must participate in the efforts at addressing the challenges of HIV and public education around sexual and reproductive health among that age group.
Advocacy Officer and administrative assistant, Nadine Bigby-Swaby as well as Counselling psychologist, Optimist Marjorie Samuels were also part of the EVE for Life family.
The Sunset Liguanea family was represented by President Lavern, Vice President Sharon Passley, Secretary Karlene Walker, Treasurer Kenneth Walker Snr., and Chairpersons Horace Jones and Kenneth Walker Jnr along with Past President Patrick Prendergast.

Treasurer Kenneth Walker Snr., President Lavern Brown, EVE4Life co-founder Joy Crawford,  EVE4Life Chairperson Emma Lewis, and Secretary Karlene Walker

Coming Up...
On Monday May 20, the club will move to the University Hospital of the West Indies where they will hand over an IV Pump to the children's ward.  And, later in the week they will join junior Optimists at Rousseau Primary School for a Labour Day project at the school as well for their special Girls and Boys days on May 21 and 29, respectively.