Music, creativity, science and leadership: these were the ingredients of a special initiative for 28 young boys from diverse backgrounds in Trinidad and Tobago hosted in August by UWI St Augustine and Sound+Science NYC.
The SOAR (Sound, Originality, Aspire, Resilience) Summit, held from August 24 to 26 at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, gave youth ages 14 to 18 the opportunity to participate in creative activities and learn from international leaders in the sciences, the arts, sport, and business. Using music to engage the boys in science was a major part of the event.
“This summit was a celebration of everything the students had to offer and the potential of their future,” explained Professor Shirin Haque, UWI Astronomer and local lead of the Caribbean Future of Science project, the joint initiative between the university and Sound+Science NYC. The project was funded by the US-based Simons Foundation.
“It was a space where their ideas and their creativity were valued, and where they were encouraged to imagine bold new possibilities for themselves and their community.”
The young participants came from areas such as Moruga and Rio Claro, as well as Tobago. They were students from QRC, Success Laventille, Upper Level, and San Juan Secondary, and Presentation College. Some were also from children's homes.
Prof Haque said the boys “learned from leaders who are dedicated to helping them reach their fullest potential, and who themselves have overcome difficulties to achieve success.”
The summit was conceptualised by UWI St Augustine campus Principal Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Director of Sound+Science (a foundation that runs similar programmes for youth) Professor Stephon Alexander, and Prof Haque.
Prof Alexander was a “sensei” along with US-based hip-hop artist and cognitive psychologist Dr Malik Boykin, Yale University computational biologist and former boxer Dr Brandon Ogbunu, Brown University psychologist with Trinidadian roots Dr Andre Toussaint, businessman Mr Kendall Alexander, and National Geographic Society marine researcher from Tobago Mr Seth Aqui.
Each sensei was assigned a group of boys to work with. They will continue to maintain contact with their groups going forward. Dr Boykin performed for the attendees during the summit.
“I have always dreamt of coming back one day and sharing all that I’ve done with younger versions of myself,” says Prof Alexander, “because I also came from very humble beginnings.”
Originally from Moruga, and raised in the Bronx in New York, Prof Alexander believes “nothing is really valuable if you can’t share it”. That includes the mentorship provided to the boys and also the ability “to have my friends from overseas come and experience the beauty of our culture and our diaspora”.
The summit, says Prof Haque, was both enjoyable and impactful:
“One parent remarked that her child was so engaged, enthusiastic, and inspired after the summit. Most of the boys indicated that they thoroughly enjoyed it and wished the summit was longer. They wanted even more exposure to science and music.”
And while the event may be over, the opportunities to learn and interact will continue. The senseis have promised to remain connected with their team of boys to continue their mentorship.
“We will be back,” says Prof Alexander. “We are here to stay.”
