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The following essay was submitted by our KIA sponsored swimmer, Samuel, who attended a swim meet in Antigua in June 2026.
MY TRIP TO ANTIGUA
It was the day before we were supposed to fly out to Antigua, and I was a little nervous since the last time I had left Barbados, I got sick, but I was still excited for the experience. We flew out on Wednesday the 24th of June at 10:30 am and landed at 11:05 am. The plane ride was smooth and we left the airport and headed to get a rental car. It took a while, but we ended up getting a white Toyota jeep. My Nana's friend, Julia and her son, Chris and I were all staying at a guesthouse called Poinciana Apartments. We got there around 12:00 noon and we spoke to the owner, Kim, who said that the room would not be ready until 1:30 pm. We were hungry and asked for recommendations on where to get lunch. Kim gave us the names of a couple of places and directions. We settled on Chase Supermarket, which was very close to the guesthouse. We picked up food, and some groceries for the next five days. We went back home and relaxed until we had to meet at the pool for 5:00 pm. I hated the pool. I couldn't see the bottom and it was not as up to date as the one back in Barbados, but what could I do? Everything was paid for and I was already there, so I swam.
On Thursday, we spent most of the day at home and went to 1st Choice, a supermarket, then went to the pool. It was the first day of competition. The older children were not to be awarded medals, but they would still be placed. When it was time to leave, our GPS wasn't working so we had to get Cherisse, a parent from the swim club who had lived in Antigua before moving to Barbados, to lead us home. On Friday morning, we had breakfast at a restaurant called 'Like a Latte' and went to a small mall. On Saturday, after the competition, since it ended early because it was the last day, Cherisse, her mother and sister took us to town which wasn't as big as our town in Barbados, but it had some excellent items. I got a teal 'Antigua' hat and a bracelet. My Nana and Julia spent a while in LAND, a unisex dress store. After that, we went to purchase KFC and then to Belvedere, where the rest of the team, except Cherisse, were staying. We picked up some breakfast items because we were supposed to be hosting it the next morning.
Overall, the competition was fun and not as intense as I thought it would be. I swam the 50-metre freestyle, 50-metre backstroke, 50-metre butterfly, 50-metre breaststroke, 100-metre breaststroke and 100-metre freestyle. I didn't swim as well as I would have liked to because of the problem with the pool, but I still managed to place eighth in my age group, sharing the spot with Emil, another swimmer from my club. I hope the next time I go, that I do a lot better and maybe even get into the top three. I'm glad I got to experience Antigua’s pool and hope to see the pools of some of the other countries.
On Sunday, breakfast was great and everyone enjoyed it. There were pancakes, biscuits and cheese, plantains, scrambled eggs, oranges and pineapple juice. We listened to Michael Jackson, and Sheaylah attempted to do the moonwalk. We went back to town and spent a good while there. Later at 1:30 in the afternoon, we decided to go on a road trip. We went over to Belvedere, but left a bit later than intended. The trip was quiet. When we got to the museum, we were told it was 15 USD per person. We left and went to a restaurant which wasn't going to open until 2:30 pm, so we decided to look for another place. While driving back, we saw a restaurant called "Sweet T's" and decided to stop there. We ate lunch there and I had a Philly Steak Cheese Burger and fries with a strawberry original shake. We had ice-cream for dessert, and I had white vanilla. The food was flavourful and filling. We went back to Belvedere after and then headed home. On Monday, we packed our stuff and left the key with Kim, the owner of the guesthouse. We went to 1st Choice and picked up some drumettes before heading to the airport. Upon arrival, we dropped off the car and headed to check in. The plane left late because of some technical issues, but we made it back safely. There were ups and downs in the trip to Antigua, but it was enjoyable for the most part, and I'm super excited for my next overseas trip which will be to Canada.
A Life Changed Through KIA’s Youth link
Youth Link is the youth development branch of Kids in Action (KIA), dedicated to supporting young people between the ages of 15 and 29. Through mentorship, skills training, personal development, and meaningful opportunities, Youth Link helps young people build confidence, gain direction, and create brighter futures. The following testimony highlights how Youth Link made a lasting impact on one young person’s life and career journey.
Jonathan is a young man who benefitted from Kids in Action’s youth arm for older youth when he was in his 20s. Here is story.
A Testimony from Jonathan
KIA's Youth Link was a turning point in my life. Before joining the program, I did not have a clear direction for my future and could have easily gone down the wrong path. Through the guidance, support, and opportunities provided by Youth Link, I was able to stay focused, avoid trouble, and begin building a better future for myself.
One of the biggest opportunities the program gave me was helping me get into a skills training program where I learned to become a machinist fitter. This experience not only taught me valuable technical skills, but it also gave me discipline, confidence, and a sense of purpose while also providing me with certification for said trade. I now had knowledge and training that helped me build a stable career and improve my quality of life.
I am truly grateful for everything Youth Link has done for me. The program showed me that with the right support and determination, it is possible to change your life for the better. I would encourage any young person looking for guidance and opportunity to take advantage of what Youth Link has to offer.
From Kids in Action to College and Entrepreneurship: Rashawn’s Journey
Rashawn one of our young men who joined Kids in Action when he was seven years old, is now a student at Barbados Community College, pursuing studies in Marketing and Management. He’s also starting a graphic design business. Needless to say, we are extremely proud of him and he had this to say about his time in Kids in Action:
“It came across my mind the other day how fortunate I was to be in Kids in Action or to be in a group like that, because other children didn’t really have an opportunity to be in a group with a lot of people their age and get to go on tours and experience lots of things. We learned a great deal. Up to today, I go on Facebook just to see what’s new; what’s going on with the group. I may be a bit older now, but I’m still interested in looking at the page”.
Sponsored children
Ruthann
a secondary school student who has since transferred to another school. We provided her petty fees, school uniforms, shoes and a care package. We wish her all the best in the future and pray that God’s hand rests and remains on her life.
Lynn
a secondary school student whose progress report for the term is very promising. Apart from providing her petty fees, school uniform and school supplies, we have been providing reading lessons for her as well. She contracted meningitis in infancy and this slowed her development some what, resulting in her missing school. Her reading was badly impacted, but we are proud to say that this term she scored 100% in English Language, 58% in English Literature and promising grades in Maths, Music and Integrated Science.
sAMUEL
who has been making the Principal’s list since he entered secondary school. We also sponsor his swimming classes and he recently went to Trinidad to represent Barbados along with his team mates. He placed first in his heat but the entire Barbadian team came down with a viral infection.
We want to stress the importance of a godly upbringing in our children’s lives. Both Lynn and Samuel attend church and are exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have seen the transformative difference that Christ makes in the lives of those who serve Him and it is evident in the lives of these two children. It helps to come from homes where the gospel is taught as it is in their homes.
Inspired to write : A young author's dream
This photo came in a few days ago. These books were written by a little girl who enjoyed reading “Tameisha’s Adventure.
“I want to be like Zoanne Evans and write many books.” This is in line with what we want to achieve at Kids in Action. . . Inspire children to dream big dreams and to use their God-given gifts and talents. If we can touch an change the life of one child, then we have achieved our goal. We trust God to take them all the way.