Author Archives: admin

Promoting ideas through a constellation of conversations and making change through solidaity: Moving from the Head to the Heart to Impact Change They say the longest distance in the world is the 18 inches between the head and heart. This refers to applying everything you know and channeling it to a strong willingness to seek change which is driven by investment and passion to a cause. It is creating a perfect marriage between your knowledge to your emotions in order…

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What does bullying mean for Trinidad and Tobago? Bully (v) – repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological behavior used to intimidate, harass or discriminate against an individual. Educators talk about a hidden curriculum. These are experiences at school that are not accounted for or dealt with, but do happen throughout a child’s school life. Parents talk about that necessary part of growing up where it is acceptable for a child’s insecurities and vulnerabilities to be scrutinized regularly. However, for too…

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On Saturday 2 July, 2016, Kennedy Maraj, Vanita Benimadho and Poonam Singh attended the Las Lomas Government School Anti-Bullying Walkathon. It was primarily centred on raising awareness about the causes and effects of bullying, and how it can be combated with a community effort. The event was organized and spearheaded by the school’s social worker, Christabel Paul, and her colleague, Rondell Bissoon. It was the culmination of a week-long anti-bullying campaign conducted by Ms. Paul. Some talented youths displayed their…

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“Pride, as opposed to shame and stigma, is the catalyst for the LGBT movement around the world, and signifies a united front against discrimination and violence.” Pride means many things to many people. Pride is a feeling, a way of life. For the LGBT community, pride has come to signify the reason they exist, and what they intend to live up to. We dedicate this blog to our silver lining, George Kazanjian, who was an innocent bystander trying to live…

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Our events may be limited in Trinidad & Tobago but LGBT Pride Month is highly celebrated within the local LGBT community. It serves as a time to remember the reasons for our existence and for the work we have been engaged in. It also is a time of remembrance of those who we’ve helped along the way, and to memorialize those who have lost their way. It is during this time that many NGOs and individuals alongside The Silver Lining…

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An effective strategy for building community in your school is by fostering a safe space such as an alliance where individuals can access a supportive community of peers. Safe spaces have been found to be helpful at fighting feelings of isolation and improving self esteem. Steps you can follow if you want to start your own safe space: Determine what type of organization you would like to form: A peer counselling group should be private and confidential. But an all-genders…

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Wishing you the best this holidays and for the New Year ahead! The Silver Lining Foundation extends a Happy Holidays to you. As the year comes to a close, we reminisce on the experiences had, lessons learnt and lives touched. We remember the joy of brightening others’ lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing each others’ loads, and supplanting empty hearts and lives with gifts of love and support. 2015 has been another whirlwind of success for the Foundation and, by…

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How to talk to your child about bullying? Clear communication with your child is integral in fostering an open and honest relationship. You want your child to trust you, so the child feels comfortable to come to you, without fear. Think of it as creating a safe zone, where your child can feel unthreatened and free to talk to you. As the parent, you need to ask your child about the incident, and LISTEN to their response without condemnation. Instead…

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What is Bullying and Signs of Bullying Bullying refers to repeated and systematic harassment and attacks on others perpetrated by individuals or groups. It is not one-off incidents, but rather persistent acts of aggression. There is not much difference between the bully and the victim. One is the aggressor and the other is the recipient of that aggression. Often times, the aggressor is acting out aggression accumulated from their own experiences of being taken advantage of. This post outlines some…

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