Paula Lindo – Our histories, stories, present, future.

The Royalty for a Night project collects gently worn or new formal wear and distributes it to needy graduating secondary school students to give them the opportunity to attend their graduation ball. The initiative, now in its third year, is run by NGO Yes She Can (YSC), and also includes a life skills component. Collection efforts continue until the end of May, with distribution taking place on June 8 and 9.

Project coordinator and YSC Founding Director Roberta Rose-Collins said the programme started in 2015 when a secondary school teacher reached out to her friends for help outfitting her female students, and received enough help to outfit others as well. YSC then continued the project and in 2017 were able to continue and expand the project, adding life skills classes and providing formal wear for male students.

There are collection points in Cunupia, Chaguanas, San Fernando,  South Park, Long Circular Mall and St. James. Donations of formal and semi-formal dresses and men’s suits, new and gently used accessories and new shoes suitable for a formal event will be welcomed. The students range in age from 16 to 19-years-old. Hairdressers, barbers, makeup artists and nail technicians are encouraged to donate their time and talent. Volunteers are also needed on distribution day for setting up to breaking down and everything in between.

Rose-Collins said over 250 students from around Trinidad were served last year, and there has been a good response from venues and corporate entities. “We have had the support of the venues that act as collection points, of persons giving, we have even had a few companies give new dresses off their racks. We have had companies like Maybelline, Superpharm and Wonderful World give make up items to distribute to the female graduates. Companies like Prestige Holdings (KFC), Crust to Crumb, Twigs Naturals and Roastel Coffee have provided refreshments for volunteers.”

Royalty for a Night is open to all Forms Five and Six secondary school graduates. On distribution day, students are required to present a copy of their examination timetable upon arrival as proof that they are a 2019 graduate. Students will be ushered into the display area in sfmall groups and given an opportunity to select from the racks of garments along with matching accessories and shoes from what is available. Students are not required to return any of the garments or the accessories. YSC’s only ask is that they pay it forward when they are in a position to do so.

Rose-Collins said, “we are especially encouraging men to give donations. We get more and more male students coming out on distribution days and it’s heartbreaking to see their looks when there is not enough for them to select from.”

There will be scheduled life skills sessions that students will also have access to before and after they have selected their garments. Rose-Collins said the decision to offer these classes was made when “we noticed over the years that the students who came, could not tie their ties, walk in heels, apply make up etc. and thought that we should have sessions to address those things. We also enlisted the support of a counsellor who managed emotional intelligence sessions last year and will be doing it again this year. Additionally we have someone who will conduct sessions on etiquette. This year our life skills sessions include: Emotional Intelligence, facilitated by Yohance Ayodike – Behaviour Change Consultant, Allegori; and “The Best Me” facilitated by Gail Elder-Cummings, The Etiquette Foundation TT.

Yes She Can was launched on International Women’s Day 2015 with the aim to empower women to develop healthy lifestyle habits. It focuses on wellness in three main areas – Physical Activity, Healthy Eating and Self Appreciation or Self Care – and shares practical tools needed to assist women in making choices that will positively affect their lives and influence those around them.

For further information, email royaltyforanight868@gmail.com or contact: Keel County phone/WhatsApp: 327-2697, Roberta Rose-Collins – WhatsApp only: 389-9046, visit the Royalty for a Night Facebook page for updates at https://www.facebook.com/royaltyforanightTT/ and the Yes She Can Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/yesshecanproject/.