Miss Henry Group of Companies and Sign Man Ltd., Karla Henry, has marked another milestone in the running for Miss Dominica 2017, with the launch of her ‘Protecting the Vulnerable’ (PTV) Foundation.
The venture was unveiled at a ceremony on February 5th 2017 at the Mahaut Market Plaza.
The Honourable Parliamentary Representative of the Mahaut Constituency Rayburn Blackmoore, Mahaut Village Council Chairperson Lorna John-Charles-Dalson and sponsor representative Dr. Valda Henry were among the officials in attendance.
Miss Henry described it as “another fulfilling mission” on her journey to the Miss Dominica throne.
A new feature to this year’s Miss Dominica Pageant requires the contestants to implement projects in their community, as part of their pageant platform.
“When I decided to contest the Miss Dominica Pageant I had a hard time choosing a pageant platform. I wanted to cover so many different areas, especially areas I had been involved in through my participation in youth work, that it posed some difficulty trying to develop the ideal platform. Eventually, after much brainstorming, choosing, and eliminating, with the help of my aunt, Dr. Henry, I finally found a platform to cover the issues that I’ve long been passionate about, and that is “Protecting the Vulnerable in our Society”, she explained.
Two projects are currently being undertaken through the Protecting the Vulnerable Foundation; namely an adopt-a-child initiative and a feeding programme for Mahaut.
According to Miss Henry, she has always had a soft heart for people who were emotionally-weak, deprived or taken advantage of. She added that, “I’ve felt the need to stand up for them. My Protecting the Vulnerable Foundation will allow me to do this in a more organized and sustainable fashion.”
“There are three aspects to the foundation – that includes a feeding programme and an adopt-a-child initiative – both of which we are currently here for. It’s also my intention to later introduce a rehabilitation programme for alcoholics.
“The adopt- a-child initiative targets students of the Mahaut Primary School, my alma mater. This will entail providing one eligible student with the essential materials to complete a school year. The first beneficiary of this will be Makayla Othon. Makayla was selected through a process done by the school’s acting principal, Miss Nola Stedman, after an evaluation of a shortlist of students,” she noted.
Miss Henry has urged Makayla to make the best of this opportunity, and has expressed commitment to monitor her performance at school.
“My second foundation project will be called “Karla’s Royal Family Affair” Feeding Programme. Aside from the prepared meals for deserved families – particularly on Sundays, recipients will also receive grocery hampers. Three families are benefiting today, Miss Henry stated.
While accepting the scholarship offering, 10-year-old Makayla said the initiative does not only speak to Miss Henry’s theme, but it also highlights the importance of looking out for those in the Mahaut community, who are underprivileged as she is.
“There are many other families who face challenges like mine and I hope that the good deed will continue to inspire others to follow in your footsteps … I assure you that I will put all the school items that you have provided to good use… I also wish you the best on February 24th and I expect nothing, other than you brining the crown to Mahaut,” the Grade Five student said.
Im on the fence with miss Henry its as if she has already WON.. she act like she trying to upstage tassia. From the very beginning of the process Miss Henry has been very over the top!!! Queens are supposed to have a spirit of humility; yes she speaks well, yes she is poised and can dress well, all makings of a queen; however she needs a slice of humble pie. II think this was a poor decision on behalf of the committee who could not secure sponsors for all the girls they left the others at a disadvantage to where they couldn’t afford to do stuff like this. These type of actions influence judges b4 hand. all the girls should be on he same playing field. I just pray one of the least suspecting girls walk away with the title.. Just to much for my taste.
@ galaxy may, i find u too out of place too. if there is an opportunity to do something worth while, just because it puts her in the spot light she should step back? westay lah tan
It takes money to keep these pgms. It can’t go on without the generosity of all to contribute when fundraising initiatives are launched. I hope those who are saying is pappyshow will patronize events to help in fundraising to meet the goals. The ideas are great and encourages a culture of giving back. What are you prepared to do? Stop sitting on the back bench and do your part.
Although the foundation is a great one. Why do we have contestants having people like papishow? These are the types of things that they should be doing longggg before they became contestants. My thoughts. Do hope the foundation stays alive longgggg after the pageant.
Hello, It is nice and all with what she is trying and doing but after the pageant is over, what are your goals for these people, I am hoping it is not all due to the pageant to see if you win and all but keep in mind giving them a bit to eat and a set of books JUST ONCE does not qualify for a foundation, you have to keep it up..Make yourself a martyr for that foundation… keep to it.. I pray that you will.
Kudos to you hun! It takes a special person to put others and their needs first.
Good initiative. Hope it will continue if you don’t win..
“A new feature to this year’s Miss Dominica Pageant requires the contestants to implement projects in their community, as part of their pageant platform.”
This is another reason I state, Dominica is progressing; coming along in many ways. Whoever thought of this is indeed wise. The Pageant is not solely for beauty, to show how beautiful the contestants are but also for aptitude, doing something good and worthwhile in their community.
This is an excellent initiative, helping the vulnerable.
As Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “We will always have them among us.”
Easing the life and path of others. There could not be a better one. Note how it could be expanded to serve others in need, in various respects..
If only everyone in each community would do their part, what a wonderful place it would be. Know too, all communities would be free of crime. Hope, with the help of God, in time this will be a reality.
God bless you Karla. Good luck on February 24th.
Great initiative, Good luck in all your endeavours, An example to emulate, on the right track to Greatness.
she looks queen material and intelligence .wish her all the best
Very good initiative. Kudos to you Ms. Henry.
Well done Karla,
What a great initiative. I hope others can follow to make adopt a child initiative a successful one. It takes a village. Let’s go Mahaut! Let’s go Dominica!
Well she doing the most papa and haven’t even been crown yet. Anyways i hope this is not just for papishow. Win draw or loss please keep up this work after carnival is all said and done. Thanks