Te Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation has upgraded its Sports Plus social programme as part of its ongoing mission to uplift youth in Enterprise, Chaguanas.
Launched on May 8, the project was made possible through the Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities (EPIC) grant programme, funded by the Digicel Foundation in partnership with Shell Trinidad and Tobago (Shell), said a media release.
[caption id="attachment_1155168" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Shihan Marva John Logan, co-founder of the Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation, leads representatives of the Digicel Foundation, Shell TT, the Cunupia Business Chamber, and the National Body for Sports Martial Arts on a tour of the upgraded facilities at the Ryu Dan Dojo, Enterprise Chaguanas, on May 8.. -[/caption]
With a $150,000 Epic grant, the Ryu Dan Foundation launched Operation KickUp to expand opportunities for youth and women in its community by: Establishing a fully-equipped computer lab to support digital learning; purchasing new sewing machines and tools for its Support Educate and Empower Women (SEEW) programme, and purchasing new sports equipment and gear to enhance training at the centre.
[caption id="attachment_1155166" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Rosemary Sandy, participant of the Support Educate Empower Women (SEEW) programme shares her testimony at the launch of the Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation’s Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities (EPIC) project, funded by the Digicel Foundation in partnership with Shell Trinidad and Tobago (Shell). -[/caption]
All part of Ryu Dan’s flagship Sports Plus programme, the NGO uses a multidisciplinary approach that blends sports and cultural disciplines with academic and vocational training to help develop well-rounded individuals, the release said.
Speaking at the launch event, Digicel Foundation director Bibi Mohamed Singh said, "Being part of sustainable community development initiatives is exactly what Epic is about. Our investment goes beyond the computers and tangible items – it’s about enriching lives and helping participants change their life trajectory."
[caption id="attachment_1155165" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Shihan Marva John Logan, co-founder of the Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation, listens to the beneficiary testimonies delivered during the Ryu Dan Empowerment ‘Operation Kickup’ Project Launch on May 8. -[/caption]
In addition, the partnership includes one year of free Digicel Plus service and access to the Digicel Foundation’s Safer Internet Training (SIT) campaign, which equips participants with vital cybersecurity skills and tools for navigating the digital world responsibly.
[caption id="attachment_1155164" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Shell TT’s social performance and social investment adviser Ryssa Brathwaite delivers remarks at the launch of the Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation’s Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities (EPIC) project, funded by the Digicel Foundation in partnership with Shell Trinidad and Tobago (Shell). -[/caption]
Shell TT’s social perf
