By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

WHEN Samita Ferguson embarked on a mission several years ago to inspire young women through holistic activities, she did not anticipate that her CHAMPS (Chosen, Honoured, Appointed, Motivated, Positive Sisters) organisation would expand as quickly as it did.  

The group has now extended its outreach to Grand Bahama, where the new branch of the organisation aims to impact the lives of young girls and women on that island.

CHAMPS was formed in April 2010 with the goal of empowering and uniting young Bahamian women.

Mrs Ferguson, who serves as the CEO of CHAMPS, said the opening of the Freeport chapter demonstrates the group’s commitment to seeing lives changed for the better.

She also vowed that the young women who are a part of the non-profit group will do their share to leave a mark that cannot be erased.

During the launch event for the new chapter held over the weekend, the participants were advised of the vision, mission and goals of the CHAMPS organisation.

Mrs Ferguson addressed the young women and led an initiation for new members.  

“A request was made for the group to have a chapter in Freeport, which was one of our goals, but the opportunity just provided the itself. Our vision is to think outside of the box; to empower women to be more than they can be through a holistic programme. We will push them and drive them to be better and above the norm.

“The impact of CHAMPS is very far-reaching. The girls are more self-confident, and I believe CHAMPS has generated a shift and helped people to tap into their talents and gifts. We have helped people know that they are special and can accomplish whatever they put their minds to,” Mrs Ferguson told Tribune Woman.

Mrs Ferguson said she did not start CHAMPS just “to do something”, but to genuinely give hope to those who she comes into contact with through the group.

There are currently more than 20 members in the New Providence chapter. Another branch is expected to start in Exuma during the month of August.

“CHAMPS is not about having an organisation just to say we are doing something or to pump up ourselves yourself. There are people out there doing things to just stroke their egos but are not genuine about their a cause. My passion is for the Bahamas, where everyone has a high self-image,” Mrs Ferguson said.

“We come across so many issues with the some of the girls. And a lot of things are so confidential as it relates to the issues that we are presented with. We have seen them improve over time. Sometimes people need to consistently hear positives things, and speaking motivation can help them. The vision is so big, because I know God has to send someone my way to present us with a building. And if I can just see a change in some women, their will be change in their relationships.”

CHAMPS is geared towards young women between the ages of 16-25. The group also has little sisters programmes.

CHAMPS has hosted a number of empowerment seminars and events to demonstrate its mission, including the recent “Building Blocks to Success” event.

The motivational session was focused on helping high school graduates and college students to find the right path to success and achieving one’s goals.

One of the featured speakers was Raquel Bethel, coordinator of Student Affairs at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).

Mrs Bethel encouraged individuals to know who they really are and to achieve their maximum potential. Other key areas discussed included how to explore options, identify strengths, set smart goals, choose directions, be flexible and how to put a plan into action.

“There were so many seeds planted that one could allow to spring forth towards enhancing their career. Two other key factors where to learn to serve in order to achieve great success, or to lead one has to serve first. Also, that no pathway is attainable or sustainable unless God is providing directions and guidelines,” Mrs Ferguson said.