By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

Under the theme “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”, members of the Exuma Girl Guides Association recently gathered at the Ebenezer Union Baptist Church at Farmer’s Hill for a prayer, praise and worship.

For more than a century, the Bahamas Girl Guides Association has enhanced the lives of thousands of Bahamian women who have made and continue to make a positive impact.

Guiding seeks to influence the personal development of girls from the age of five to young adulthood. There are four levels of training, namely the Sunflowers, the Brownies, the Guides and the Ranger Guides.

The Exuma District’s Girl Guides’ theme this year focuses on embracing individual differences, be they cultural, social or economic – encouraging each Guide to reach their full potential.

“We had in attendance groups like the Sunflowers and Brownies. I believe these services for the girls help with the holistic development with them becoming young women and well-rounded with good ethics and morals as they enter the professional world,” said Vanessa Smith, public relations representative for Ebenezer Union Baptist Church.

“They are still young, in school, so their Christian faith can help in overcoming many of the challenges that they may face in their schools, namely bullying, peer pressure...(it will help them to) love themselves for who they are.”

She went on to say that Ebenezer Union Baptist Church has an open door policy; they welcome all organisations, be they civic, religious or community based, to visit, worship and celebrate any form of life event.

“Like the Bible says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. In today’s society we need our young people to be confident because it helps them become good role models in their communities and further prepare them for brighter and successful futures. The Girl Guides, in keeping with their promise to do their best, do their duty to God, serve their country and teach the Guide law. By attending these church services they are able to better understand the biblical principals and apply them to their lives,” said Ms Smith.

In attendance at the recent service were Dorcas Shuttleworth, a founding member of the Exuma Girl Guides, and Tamara Robinson, whom brought remarks on behalf of the group.

The Exuma District Girl Guides branch is led by District Commissioner Shequita Clarke and Assistant Commissioner Jabina Curry. The service concluded with a financial donation to the Guides on behalf of Rev Stephen Smith and the Ebenezer Union Baptist family.