The Words of the Mungroo Family |
RYS Trinidad 2009 was a project targeted to work with the not-for-profit Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Center in Petit Valley. The Center was in urgent need of maintenance and repair of its grounds and animal cages.
While in Trinidad, participants also worked with the St. Vincent de Paul Society's Home for the Aged where volunteers helped feed and care for the elderly residents at the home.
Our main theme for the project was "One Can Change the World." RYS Trinidad 2009 received interested youth participants from the United States, St. Lucia, and Guyana as well as from various parts of Trinidad and Tobago.
Prunella Mungroo from Trinidad, our main Educator/Trainer, inspired participants with her lecturettes. Guest educators included Project Director Georgia Pearson and Project Coordinator Maurice Burke.
The youth volunteers did an excellent job at the Wildlife Center, clearing the grounds and performing general repairs on the center. The founder of the Wildlife Center was elated with the service time that the participants gave and looked forward to future projects.
RYS Trinidad included visits to religious sites such as Mt. St. Benedict Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Spiritual Baptist church, and other places of cultural interest and significance including the Port of Spain Waterfront, Fort George, Las Cuevas beach and the Emperor Valley Zoo.
Quiet reflection took place at Guayaguayare, a village in South East Trinidad. During morning reflection, the participants walked along the beach side and the reflection period ended with a sunrise journaling session. What made this trip special is that the participants had the opportunity to enjoy the rustic, spacious, and quiet settings of Trinidad.