The need for intervention was recognized, in 1986, having
witnessed girls in distress during assembly as well as in classes. The Problem:
lack of food. For some, the problem was economic, while for others it was poor
management of time. Girls were traveling to Bishop Anstey High School from
distant places such as Sangre Grande, leaving home as early as 4.30 am, without
breakfast. "That discovery gave rise to a breakfast programme at the
school", says Mrs.Catherine Cumberbatch, who attended BAHS from 1955 to 1959
and taught Home Economics there for 24 years, from 1968 to 1992.
 |
| We were fortunate to catch up with Mrs. Cumberbatch, who was graciously willing to share insight about her experience in the formative stages of the Student Health Intervention Programme (SHIP). |
The idea for Student Health Intervention Programme (SHIP) was presented to the School Committee of
the Hilarian Association, whose committee chairperson was Ms Daphne Solomon, (deceased
July, 2014 ) and in its early stages was catered by a Hilarian sister, Sherma
Henry, (deceased June, 2014). Initally, SHIP started with 8 girls, and grew. By
1988, it served about 36 girls, and the programme was expanded to include
lunch, care packages for vacation days, health care, graduation needs,
counselling, etc - whatever was necessary was done. Hilarian sisters gave not
only of their money, but of their talents and skills. Those who were doctors,
opticians, guidance counsellors for example, attended to girls who needed
care. Dr Garthlyn Charles Craig, a former
head girl and Mrs Joyce Headly were among the first responders relevant to
health needs aprart from food. Though
most of the needs of students were met by Hilarian contributions, Hilarians
also proved their ability to 'outreach'. However, many benefactors chose to
remain anonymous.
By 1990, the method of administration was changed to foster
greater participation of the girls enrolled in the programme. They did the
pre-preparation in the Home Economics lab under the guidance of Mrs.
Cumberbatch. Girls not on the programme were encouraged to assist. The
programme sought to teach girls that we must look out for each other, be of
service, and the importance of giving back. The actual cooking was done by Mrs. Cumberbatch, ably assisted by students in her Home Ec classes. Volunteers from the sixth form who enjoyed
early lunch release, assisted with the preparation of the dining room and the
serving of food.
Mrs. Cumberbatch muses, "Change is constant and to be
expected. Happily though, I can report the SHIP remains afloat." Following
the 1990s, the administration of the programme has again changed. The core
values remain intact, but for various reasons, the girls are no longer involved
in the meal preparation. "It was indeed a challenge", says Mrs. Cumberbatch, "teaching classes and
doing large scale cooking at the same time, but for me, being a Hilarian, it
was a labour of love." Upon her leaving the school (1992) The Principal's
flat upstairs the old library was then used for the total administration of the
programme. In an attempt to maintain the
format, The School Committee hired a cook, and the programme continued until
the building was condemned. "That’s when meal prep went outside the school
compound", explains Mrs. Cumberbatch. Having since retired, Mrs. Cumberbatch
is no longer at the helm, but is forever thankful to the original crew, Shirley
Turpin, Daphne Solomon, Sherma Henry, Corinne Baptiste Mc Knight,
Joy Wiltshire (all deceased ) Justice Monica Barnes, Monica Hylton,
Gloria Rogers, Esla Molineaux, and Jean Padmore George. Last but not least, Mrs
Freda Araujo, the then school principal who gave full support to the
programme. She recognizes those who are
now in charge for doing a wonderful job. SHIP will be 29 years old in
September, 2015!
Khadeidra's note: As I expressed thanks to Ms Cumberbatch
for sharing the SHIP story, I revealed to her that despite attending BAHS from
2000-2005, I never knew such a programme even existed. She responded,
"...as to how you never heard of the programme, my only thought is that
maybe, because of the sensitive nature of it all, and trying not to make girls
uncomfortable, even though participation was encouraged, it was quietly done.
There can be cruel and insensitive ones among us." This saddened me, and I'd like to encourage supporting this meaningful endeavor in any way possible.
Donations can be made regularly to The Old Hilarians Association for the SHIP.
Account Name: B.A.H.S. Student Health Intervention Programme.
Republic Bank Account No.: 150496953501
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