Nearly 50 teenage girls participated in the fourth annual Teen Girls Summit hosted by Safe Space Consultancy Service in Castries on Saturday July 25th, for a day focused on resilience, mental wellness and personal growth.
Held at the Finance Centre in Pointe Seraphine under the theme “Blooming in Seasons of Adversity,” the one-day event brought together healthcare professionals, mental health advocates, spiritual leaders and mentors who equipped participants with practical tools to navigate the pressures facing today’s young women.
The summit centred on three key pillars of holistic wellness; physical, emotional and spiritual health through interactive presentations, discussions and activities designed to help participants build healthy habits, strengthen their faith and prioritise their mental well-being. Art and craft therapy sessions also encouraged creativity as a pathway to healing and self-expression.
One of the highlights of this year’s event was a keynote address by Saint Lucian Olympian Mikaili Charlemagne, who shared her personal journey of perseverance and encouraged participants to remain determined in the face of adversity.
Attendees also heard inspiring presentations from Sariah Best Joseph on spiritual awareness, Andrea Thompson on emotional and mental wellness, Dr. Tamara Remy on physical health and self-care, and gospel rap artist Arnold Jules, popularly known as AJ, who used music and personal testimony to motivate the young women.
Organisers said the summit has continued to expand since its launch in 2023, growing from 21 participants in its inaugural year to approximately 60 registrations this year. They noted that the programme’s continued success reflects the growing need for safe spaces where young women can access mentorship, encouragement and practical life skills.
Beyond the annual summit, Safe Space Consultancy Service operates a Big Sister Mentorship Programme, which pairs young women with volunteer mentors who provide ongoing guidance, encouragement and positive role models throughout the year, helping to extend the summit’s impact well beyond a single day.
The event was made possible through the support of a wide range of corporate sponsors, individual donors and government partners. Among them, the Ministry of Agriculture contributed plants that were presented to participants, reinforcing the summit’s message of growth, resilience and nurturing potential.
Organisers also highlighted that, with the exception of its inaugural event, the Teen Girls Summit has remained free of charge, ensuring that young women from across Saint Lucia can participate regardless of their financial circumstances.
