Youth HELP Foundation Celebrates Student Success at “Yes, I Can Read” Award Ceremony

Vice Chairman of United Way TCI, Mr. Rex Messam and Nina Siegenthaler & Grant Noble with Yes, I Can Read Awardee

The Youth HELP Foundation was honored to participate in the United Way TCI “Yes, I Can Read” Program Award Ceremony, held on the final day of the United Way TCI Summer Camp. While the event recognized the generosity of program sponsors, including the Youth HELP Foundation, the greatest celebration was for the students themselves.

Every one of the sponsored students successfully passed the CPEA exam and is now ready to begin high school. This remarkable milestone reflects their resilience, determination, and the life-changing impact of community support.

We extend our sincere thanks to all who contributed to making this possible, including Nina Siegenthaler & Grant Noble, Karen Hausch, Turks & Caicos First Insurance, Olympia DMC, Smile TCI, Conservative Architects, Marsha Lightbourne-Misick, Schechter Family Foundation, Paul & Kym Farr, Omar’s Beach Hut, and of course, the Youth HELP Foundation.

A special tribute goes to Mrs. Majorie Bassett, dedicated teacher and mentor, whose passion and skill have transformed the lives of countless children—guiding them from struggling to recognize the alphabet to reading fluently and excelling in their exams.

We also recognize Claudine Ewing, CEO of United Way TCI, for her tireless dedication in leading these impactful programs, and the Chairman and Board of Directors of United Way TCI for their vision and steadfast commitment to youth empowerment.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Rufus Ewing, President of the Youth HELP Foundation, said:"The success of these students is a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together to invest in its young people. Literacy is the foundation of all learning, and by supporting initiatives like ‘Yes, I Can Read,’ we are giving children the tools they need to thrive academically and in life. The Youth HELP Foundation is proud to play a role in these successes and remains committed to empowering the next generation through education and opportunity."

The Youth HELP Foundation proudly supports:

• Yes, I Can Read – literacy intervention for struggling readers

• Lit from Birth – fostering early literacy from infancy

• Graphic Arts Program at the Ed Gartland Youth Center – developing creative and technical skills

In addition, the Hamilton Education Foundation / Hamilton University School of Medicine will host its first Charity Golf Tournament on National Youth Day, September 26, 2025, raising funds for youth programs and charities across the islands.

During the ceremony, several students shared emotional testimonies of overcoming extraordinary challenges—stories that, while too personal to publish, embody the true spirit of empowerment.

This is what community investment in our youth looks like. Together, as a government, charitable community, and engaged citizens, we can continue to support programs that transform lives and shape a brighter future.