The Grenada Education and Development Programme (GRENED) successfully concluded its 2024 calendar year with an immersive Student Leadership Weekend, and Christmas Cabaret from December 13^th -16^th. The event brought together 20 students from across rural Grenada, including representation from Petite Martinique.
The weekend commenced Friday evening with a welcome reception, fostering student interaction and community building. While Saturday’s planned community service activities – including a beach cleanup at Telescope St. Andrew’s, and a visit to the Belair Children’s Home – were postponed due to inclement weather, students participated in team-building activities throughout the day. The evening featured a formal candlelight dinner at Rainbow Inn, Grand Bras, St. Andrew’s, where students engaged in social activities and relationship building.

Sunday’s activities began with Catholic church services attended by eleven students accompanied by Executive Director Dr. Dessima Williams. The weekend culminated in the Christmas Cabaret, a student-led production months in the making.

The event showcased diverse talents including:

– Musical performances by Jade Rodrigues, Timica Modeste, and Jaryhea Lessey
– Poetry recitation by Kemlyn Lewis

-Historical narration by Jadiah Lessey and Ziva Nedd
– Instrumental performances by Mika Bethel and Chamar Marrast
– Special guest performance by Jovanna Hoschtialeck

The event was skillfully moderated by Christina Clyne, Christian and Cameron Blache. His Excellency Wei Hongtian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada, attended as guest of honor, providing both financial support and sports equipment donations to the program.

The weekend’s success was made possible through the guidance of Administrative Officer Wavel Dumont and staff member Janeyah Hankey, who supported the students throughout the planning and execution phases. During Monday’s evaluation session, participants expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for the experience, with suggestions to extend future events.

GRENED anticipates welcoming an additional 17 students from Carriacou and Petite Martinique in January 2025, further expanding its impact across the tri-island state.