I had the pleasure of meeting a gentleman by the name of Kevin Gilbertson on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 when I ventured to the neighborhood basketball court, along with other members of the community, to find out more about the Savan Cleanup and Restoration Project that began earlier this month on July 9, 2015. Kevin was more than forthcoming in asking the questions and listening to the concerns of his fellow neighbors while helping us to visualize the intent of the entire initiative. We spoke of past events (the historic walk through, and meeting held at Palms Court Harborview Hotel) and those to come all with the intent to revitalize the community and cleanup Savan. When asked about any future projects that may take place with that would serve the neighborhoods youth Mr. Gilbert assured me considerations had already been taken to establish a community center within the neighborhood aiming at such, and providing various programs all to foster positive progression for the development of each individual youth. We spoke of gaining the help of other influential members of the community within to continue the mass engagement already underway also to gain insight to center focus' on pertinent issues relevant to those residing within. Throughout our conversation I witnessed various members of the community stop by, some signing up volunteers, others volunteers ready to move their detail to the next spot!
C.A.N or Community Action Now! Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create programs and services in underserved areas in the US and the Caribbean (C.A.N, 2014). C.A.N and community partners launched the Savan cleanup and restoration project on July 9, 2015 and it will continue to July 25, 2015 which will then be dubbed 'Savan Appreciation Month'. Through collaborative efforts with various partnerships including but not limited to the Economic Development Agency, Virgin Islands Police Department, Department of Public Works, Sankofa Saturday, government officials, local businesses, and members of the community this initiative continues to take place within the Savan community, beginning during the morning commutes well through the day to the evening. The Savan Cleanup and Restore Project began its month long activities and initiatives with a historic walk through of areas in Savan that aren't familiar to the general public as the historic monuments of change that they are. Alongside the V.I.P.D and E.D.A officials as guides children were shown the history of Savan and in turn learned more about their cultures as it pertains to their neighborhood community. Since then there have been countless volunteers, neighbors and strangers alike, all with the same mission of restoring the Savan Community. Through the mobilization of the communities members C.A.N officials and members of the #savesavan initiative are not only highlighting the historic heritage we share, but they are also illustrate the culture we hope to continue to be prevalent within our communities rather than the degenerative status that it's slowing becoming plagued with. The youngest members of our communities look to us for role models and by mobilizing all members of our community (including the youths) to engage within various aspects we as parents, educators, and citizens of this community will not only teach culture but live it, and show our children that we too practice what we preach.
Other initiatives are also in place to keep up current trends and develop new ones with the intent of enacting solutions to improve the stagnant state of our neighborhood and community. C.A.N officials have also partnered with the Citizens And Police Association to implement a neighborhood watch aimed at crime and crime prevention. Meetings for the neighborhood watch will continue at the Methodist Church near Market Square, on Monday July 20, 2015. All members of the community and the Savan neighborhood are encouraged to attend and spread the word. Follow the Proud To Be A Savanero group on Facebook and add members, spread the message.
Families, neighbors, educators, and officials all gathered and united by a common means; this is the product of collaboration between families and communities. This is our culture. This is how we live.
The views expressed within the blog are solely those of Ms. Child Advocate and does not reflect on any of her affiliations. For more on the U.S Virgin Islands youths read #LoveWins Diversity for A Diverse World, Healthy Summer Activities: Keeping Children Active, and National Public Gardens Day U.S.V.I.
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