An interview with Soroptimist Danzella Jennings from SI Grand Turk

"It was such a pleasure for me to meet Danzella and to share our different experience of Soroptimism. Although our Clubs are more than 4,000 miles apart, the focus on community action and service in each of our Clubs is remarkably similar."

Mary Hession from SI Drogheda interviews Danzella Jennings, SI Grand Turk

Grand Turk is a small island, just 7 square miles, but in fact Danzella was born on Cay island which is even smaller – a microscopic 2.6 square miles! She left her home island to go to High School in Grand Turk, completed her education with an honours degree in business administration and now works permanently on the larger island, as an accounts manager with an off-shore company. These islands are home to many financial services companies which are an employment resource for suitably qualified people.

Pictures from the Island depict a paradise with wide, white beaches and green sea - Danzella says that one of the main sources of income and employment for the islanders is tourism, because of the wonderful weather, clear water, and access to sea sports. While this income is essential to the local economy, it is also seasonal and although the people live in paradise, they are nonetheless affected by increasing oil prices and consequent rise in the cost of living.

The islands are within the hurricane zone but have historically only suffered a hurricane around every seven years. However, in 2017 they were seriously affected by Storms Irma and Maria, which did devastating damage to the infrastructure. There is anxiety that climate change will increase the frequency of hurricanes and droughts with consequent social and economic harm to the community.

Danzella has been a Soroptimist for the last 20 years or so and was previously an active member of the Girl Guides, so she has a lifelong strong commitment to supporting Civil Society. Danzella says that Soroptimism provides the opportunity to support women and girls, through financial support and service. She has been Club President twice, has served as Federation Councillor for SIGBI and continues to be Treasurer for her Club. Her reports on the work achieved by her Club during her Presidencies show how important she feels teamwork is, in service to the community. She quotes from Helen Keller ‘alone we can do so little, together we can do so much’ .

The Club’s Programme Action activities reflect the perceived needs of the community:

? Opportunities are provided through seminars for members and other women to learn more about important social problems, such as dealing with domestic violence, teenage pregnancies, and other mental and social issues.

? The Club has a very strong relationship with the schools on the island - from kindergarten, where they provide meals for children, through to the high school, where they provide social support, mentoring, encouragement to recycle and hygiene education. The club also funds an award for the most outstanding High School student.

? Another project involves befriending women in prison. Toiletries are collected and delivered to the women, where they are also able to share stories and see some of the craftwork produced by the women prisoners.

? The Club keeps up with elderly members and others in the community who are housebound.

Funds for these activities are raised through an annual ‘International Evening’ of food, friendship and music, which sounds like great fun, by holding supper meetings for the members and also by holding cake sales and other smaller fundraisers for the wider community.

It was such a pleasure for me to meet Danzella and to share our different experience of Soroptimism. Although our Clubs are more than 4,000 miles apart, the focus on community action and service in each of our Clubs is remarkably similar.?

Find out more and ways you can get involved at sigbi.org.