IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD
CHILD FOCUS FOUNDATION
ABOUT
Child Focus Foundation offers a full program of physical, creative and educational activities for all school-going children (age 4-12) of Saba.
These activities are run by youth leaders who offer their time and effort on a voluntary basis. Information about the activities and signup sheets are distributed throughout the schools. A parent evening/information meeting is held during the first week of each new school year. Parents are welcomed to attend and register their children for activities.
Bus service is provided for most of the regular activities.
MISSION & GOALS
Child Focus Foundation is committed to offering after-school activities to all school-going youth from 4-12 years of age through care, support and guidance during after-school hours by offering a variety of activities. Children are encouraged in their development and supported with their schoolwork.
In cooperation with the Center for Youth and Family, we offer support to parents of school-going youth in raising their children, in combination with special activities aimed at improving the relationship between children and their parents.
Here at Child Focus Foundation, we are fortunate to have personnel that enhance our vision with their special talents, talents given willingly and passionately. It has always been our vision to have our name become synonymous with excellence, innovation, honor, integrity, outstanding quality and service. In keeping our vision clear, yet goal-focused, with the help of our community, we will be able to turn every obstacle into a stepping stone, in order to achieve more, develop further and ultimately have of our goals come to fruition.
CHILD SAFETY
Staff members and youth leaders are trained and certified in children's CPR and First Aid procedures. During activities, all precautions are taken to ensure the safety of each child.
OUR STAFF & BOARD MEMBERS
Project Manager:
Assistant Project Leader: Suzanne Guido - "Suzy"
"I have worked at Child Focus for the past six years as the Assistant Project Leader. It is a title I am fortunate to hold, and Child Focus is an organization that I am proud to be a part of! I have two beautiful children… they are now grown, but once also attended these very activities we offer here. It is because of them that I truly believe in our motto: ” It takes a village to raise a child." I see the importance of those words play out here every day! My job can be challenging at times, but it is mostly rewarding. I see the faces of your children here every day. I feel their little arms hug me and hear the excitement in their voices while they play but also learn. All of them are beautiful and so deserving! It is my wish that we will continue to grow as an organization to meet the needs of our children, that we will be able to continue to provide quality activities, in a safe environment. We may not have as much to offer on our little island as what others do in the "Big World," but what we do have, we are grateful for and will try to make the most of, for they are also the children of the world!!"
Coordinator of the Creative Arts: Kerese Chamberlain
"My first passion has always been working with children, I love seeing the look on their faces as they attempt new things and persevere through their fears and challenges, building resilience and confidence to emerge triumphant.
I've spent the last 14 years teaching children at both the Primary and Early Childhood levels with emphasis on learning through play and creative expression.
I'm especially thrilled to be apart of the Child Focus Foundation Team. Working with these smart and talented children here on Saba has been a thrill. Learning from them while watching them grow, develop and express themselves through their engagement in the Creative Art activities."
President and Chairperson: Henriette van Heijnsbergen - "Jet"
"I've been involved with Child Focus, as a foundation, from its inception in November 2000. It's all about the youth of Saba! They deserve to get to know lots of different, creative and inspiring activities. The children are quite talented and it is our duty to give them the opportunity to discover and develop their talents! I like the fact that CF is for everybody: all children have an equal right to our services.
It is important that Saba has good quality schools as well as after-school activities because the youth are the future. Investing in the youth is investing in the future of our island. People who have developed their abilities and talents will be able to create a better future for themselves and the community they live in.
Let's not forget that Child Focus is FUN. Being a board member of CF is also lots of fun because of the great people you get to work with!"
Board Member: Camille Fahey Blackman
Tr. Camille is a Grade Five Teacher at the Sacred Heart Elementary School. One of her biggest goals is to make each child realize that he/she has the ability to learn, feel appreciated, and to love himself or herself first so that the willingness to become successful in any endeavor becomes a natural process.
She understands the connection between what she does on a daily basis and the importance of what Child Focus offers in terms of allowing students to be exposed to new experiences, educational, creativity, play, theatrical, within a safe, natural learning environment. Her role also includes communicating with the Principal and Teachers at the school with necessary information needed for the smooth coalition of both entities.
