St Jude’s Home for Girls among Belmont students inspired by Republic Bank and Chosen Hands International Women’s Day Art Workshop

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, March 13, 2023: Sixty (60) female students from St Jude’s Home for Girls and secondary schools throughout Belmont were treated to a two-day art workshop during March 8-9, 2023 in honour of International Women’s Day (IWD). The event, entitled “Inspired and Paint” was hosted by Republic Bank and Chosen Hands (CH). CH is a non-governmental organisation of mobile artists and professionals who use art as the vehicle for personal development and mentorship of youths and to help them navigate sensitive issues through creative self-expression.

The first day of the workshop, which was held at the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago, was dedicated to twenty (20) participants from St Jude’s School for Girls. Inspirational remarks on the use of art as a medium for expressing thoughts too challenging to articulate with words, were provided by CH Creative Director, Anika Plowden-Corentin and art mentor Gabrielle Gibbons. Karen Yip Chuck, first woman Vice President of Republic Bank, spoke to the IWD theme of “Embracing Equity” and emphasized to students the need to believe in their worth and their dreams.

Yip Chuck along with staff members spent the morning with the girls for an interactive session painting t-shirts designed by Gibbons in keeping with the “Embracing Equity” theme.

On day two, forty (40) female students participated in the workshop from Belmont secondary schools. These schools have worked closely with CH for the past three years for various art and wellness initiatives. CH Directors Arveon Prout and Leela Ramsingh spoke to the girls on the IWD theme. The workshop was supported by CH Art Mentors Tracey Alonzo, Chantal Quamina, Hannah Grosberg, Deborah Clement and Joy Luk Pat over the two days.

Republic Bank’s partnership with Chosen Hands for International Women’s Day was a notable collaboration providing the power to help vulnerable communities and equipping youth with the power to learn and succeed. Karen Yip Chuck further explained that “Through our Power to Make a Difference programme, Republic Bank is pleased to support our nation’s youth in reaching their true potential. Let us embrace equity and use art as a tool for change, for empowerment and for a better future.”

In addition to the Inspired and Paint workshop, Anika Plowden-Corentin is hosting an art exhibition, entitled “Inspired” which embodies women who have made their mark in the midst of life’s challenges. The exhibition will run until Saturday 17th March at the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago, Federation Park.