We will be featuring each of the Queen's Young Leaders of the OECS, their stories in youth development, their experience in being a Queen's Young Leader and their plans for their country. In this interview we speak to Tina Alfred of Dominica.
OY: For people across the OECS, who may not be familiar with your work, what youth programs/initiatives are you involved with in your country/across the region?
TA: I am the Victim support coordinator for Lifeline Ministries Inc. We touch the lives of the most vulnerable in society Dominica by providing a voice for the unrepresented and victimized and empowering others to move on from their personal disasters to become agents for positive change in society. We have a cadre of 70 trained Victim support Volunteers and we also train Police officers to help victims endure the reporting process and to be effective witnesses in court.
OY: What sparked your involvement in youth development and affairs?
TA: I started at Lifeline Ministries in June 2014 as an Intern under the Dominica National Employment Program (NEP). I was elated to receive the opportunity to gain experience in working with a psychotherapist/Counselor as I pursued studies in Psychology at the associate's degree level. However it turned out that it wasn’t only a counseling office but it was a Non Governmental Faith Based Organization.
I realised that my calling was always to give back to my community, I also realised that I needed to get more closer to God and be very more proactive and volunteer my time. I also received many opportunities to attend and participate in workshops and training to enhance my capacity as a Junior social worker. The training which made the most impact on my life was the Victim Support training which I graduated from and received my certificate of completion and my ID to be officially called a Victim Supporter. I realised there that so many young girls are vulnerable to sexual abuse and we must find a way to eradicate and make the public aware of the heinous acts and find ways we can resolve it.
OY: Undoubtedly the Queen’s Young Leaders week was an unforgettable experience. What activity/event/experience had the greatest impact on you?
TA: The entire residential week in London has been an experience of a lifetime and a learning privilege. Receiving the opportunity to first of all meet and network with the 53 other Commonwealth members, sharing and learning new cultures and adapting to temporary change was an amazing opportunity.
We also visited many leading corporate firms and media houses including BBC World Service Master Class session and where we had the opportunity to network with presenters, editors, reporters and the Director General Lord Tony Hall and Director of BBC World Service Fran Unsworth. We were exposed to social networking skills and the power to create and share Ideas and information Instantly using Twitter. This has enlightened me on how to build my social media presence.Headquarters and Twitter HQ. We also we a part of a Media
The most impactful was meeting with Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth. Receiving this prestigious award motivated and inspired me to continue to fight against Gender Base Violence and Sexual abuse. I will live up to this award and it will remain a legacy and a forever memory. I will use it as a platform to continue educating and raising public awareness.
OY: What are specific tools/ideas/concepts from the experience were the most important/useful to you?
TA: Receiving coaching and skills on how I can make the most of my mentoring with Mr. Ian Carry who is an independent executive coach. My coach’s advice gave me confidence to handle tough situations for the rest of my career. Having a mentor throughout your career or throughout your life or situation is a valuable asset to your growth and I experiences this first hand.
Secondly, I had the opportunity to witness a presentation from Fredrik Harer an author and speaker on Business Creativity. He is the author of the “Idea Book” that was included in the 100 best business books of all times. In this presentation he focus on creativity and what we can learn from creativity in this developing world. Some of the most important takeaways were:
- Stop self-editing
- Don’t be afraid to have an idea
- Don’t think that every idea is “stupid.” I will always
- Give yourself the freedom to think freely, critical thinking can come later.
OY: How do you plan on taking the knowledge & experience you gained and applying it to your country/region?
TA: I will continue to share my networking and leadership skills by creating and implementing community based workshops and programs to educate and raise awareness on Gender Based Violence and Sexual Abuse. I continue to listen and hear the cries of the unrepresented and victimized. I will be the voice for the voiceless and advocate on their behalf and join in solidarity and collaborate with partners to empower and mentor person and assist them in fully recovering and becoming an agent for positive change.
I am working towards goal five of the Sustainable development goals for Gender Equality so I will continue to promote and inclusive commonwealth and continue to break barriers and say zero tolerance to all forms of discrimination.
OY: What’s the next step for you? What can we expect to see from Tina Alfred?
TA: Right now in my country there is no safe house for victims of abuse and due to the small population environment and confidentiality might be a big problem for victims. However it is very important that we have a few safe places in our country that persons can run to and not only receive shelter but receive support to recover. This is one of my ideas I would like to see in the near future.
I would also like to implement an advocacy group in each High school in Dominica. The Convent High School has already taken up the initiative and is the first school to create this club
(United for Children).
OY: What advice/encouragement/message do you have to share with young people in the OECS?
I urge young people to always be creative, always take positive risks and always follow your dreams. We need to get more involved in our communities and form groups for sustainability for environmental or beautification development. Engage in positive communication and lead conversations on what can positively or negatively impact our society.
Specifically as it relates to my field - Let's be each other's keepers and be a voice for the voiceless. We should not stand with those who abuse children. As a people we should stand together with the victims of Gender based violence and promise to walk through the minefield of disclosure and prosecution with them. We need to provide safety and connection to these victims until they can finally become advocates.
