Barbados Today

More than 30 students have been recognised for their ability to Dream, Believe, Innovate and Lead, in the 2013 Summer Student Programme and were aptly called the LIME Game Changers.

Sade Hunte, who was named the Most Outstanding Student of the Year, reflected on the lessons learnt during the Programme.

“We must develop ourselves through the development of others,” she said. “We are not limited by where and what we study. There is so much to learn outside of the classroom and inspiration can be found anywhere. We must seek to find the gaps in the market and innovate where we can. If we do this collectively, I am confident in the success of my generation.”

Hunte was also named the “Epitome of a Game Changer” for her leadership, commitment and vision while working on the programme’s community project.

LIME Barbados’ Chief Financial Officer and Commercial Director, Patrick Hinkson, highlighted the value of the programme.

“This … is an investment in the future of our youth, and it seeks to enhance the knowledge and skills of our young, up-and-coming workforce,” he said.

“We urge them to use this opportunity as a stepping stone to a bright future for themselves and for Barbados, and judging from the outstanding work they produced while with us, we are confident in both.”

During the five-week programme, the students worked alongside LIME mentors, participated in weekly training sessions and eagerly accepted responsibility for a community project which they managed themselves.

This year, the LIME Game Changers successfully raised over $4,000, which they used to purchase two computers for the soon to be re-opened Farr’s Children’s Home.

They also donated books and clothing to the home; a pair of crutches to a young male amputee and ensured that ten children between the ages of 10 and 18 were adequately equipped with everything they would need for the current school term.

Keynote speaker, Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steve Blackett, praised the students for their initiative and noted that age was by no means a limiting factor in the pursuit of excellence.

“Throughout the course of history, young people have continuously displayed their genius,” he said. “As long as you believe you can make a difference and lead Barbados — and the world — into a better future, then you absolutely can.”