Island Gems Charity Foundation donated four new desktop computers to the Youth Brigade, a programme empowering St. Maarten’s youth through leadership, discipline, and service. This donation, made possible through funds raised from the annual Island Gems Costume Gala, highlights the significance of Saturday’s Gala, an event that unites the community to support impactful initiatives like this. In photo: Michel Peterson of Voice of the Youth with Island Gems members Vera Cupen, Milva Hoeve, Alita Singh, Jody Rosen, and Anita “Anu” Amarnaney. S
PHILIPSBURG--Island Gems Charity Foundation has donated four new desktop computers to Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation. This contribution will directly benefit the Youth Brigade, a programme dedicated to empowering young people through leadership training, discipline and community service.
The computers will serve key functions in the organisation: Project Leader’s Workstation: assisting with programme management, activity planning, data analysis, video editing, and grant writing; Social Worker’s Workstation: supporting the maintenance of member portfolios, report writing and impact strategy development; and Beneficiaries’ Workstations: providing young members with access to essential digital tools for school projects, job searches, resume building, and programme planning.
The Youth Brigade, managed under Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation, plays a crucial role in shaping the island’s future leaders. However, due to limited technological resources, both the Project Leader and the Social Worker have relied on personal computers to manage critical administrative and programme-related functions. This situation posed challenges in data security, workflow efficiency and long-term sustainability.
“We are deeply grateful to Island Gems for their generous donation,” said Michel Peterson, Project Leader of the Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation. “These computers will not only enhance our operational efficiency but will also ensure that our Youth Brigade members have the resources they need to grow and succeed.”
Island Gems continues to champion initiatives that contribute to the island’s social and educational advancement. The foundation remains committed to its mission of supporting organisations that make a lasting difference in the lives of St. Maarten’s residents.
“As an organisation, we believe in empowering the next generation by ensuring they have the necessary tools to thrive,” said Island Gems Charity Foundation President Alita Singh. “The Youth Brigade is an example of leadership and service, and we are honoured to support their mission with this donation.”
Island Gems, one of the island’s oldest philanthropic organisations, has a long history of supporting local education, youth development, and community-building initiatives. Through its annual much-anticipated Island Gems Costume Gala, the foundation raises funds to provide essential resources to non-profit organisations that make a tangible impact on the island.
