It was while conducting one of the Y-Teen sessions in November 2007 that Rosalie Fawkes, General Secretary of the YWCA of Bahamas, discovered the art room of H.O Nash Junior High School. Amazed at the beautiful work displayed on the walls of the classroom, she immediately invited the art teacher to exhibit the children’s work at the YWCA Cultural Evening of March 9, 2008.

The exhibition evening proved to be a success with the artists attending and receiving recognition for their artwork. “ The wonderful thing about the Cultural Evening was that it allowed the talent of the children to be affirmed and recognised by the wider community. It increased their feeling of self worth, “ said Fawkes.

Members of the audience also expressed interest in purchasing the artwork.
The Y-Teens also painted a colourful mural on the wall of the YWCA Activity Centre that is the subject of many compliments and positive feedback.

Y-Teens is a leadership mentoring programme that began in 2004 and includes girls and boys. Due to the success of the programme, the sessions are now held during school hours at H. O Nash Junior High School to benefit a larger number of students. The YWCA of Bahamas will continue to explore the possibility of an exhibition and sale of the Y-Teen artwork in the near future.