Real-life ‘superheroes’ aim to inspire youngsters
(CNS Local Life): A social worker, high school counsellor, grandmother and a crime-busting duo revealed their everyday “powers” at Child Month’s “Real Life Superheroes” night in which The LEGO Movie was screened. The open-air event, staged by the Department of Children and Family Services’ Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) unit on Saturday, 25 May, was held at Gardenia Court in Camana Bay.
The evening event attracted several young families. Social workers donned superhero capes and masks, as did one or two young moviegoers, said a government press release.
Presenters Carol Robinson, Chris Murray, Paulette Hines and Royal Cayman Islands Police Service Officers Jonathan Kern and Celesiah Burke gave brief presentations explaining how their jobs qualified them to be seen as superheroes who helped individuals in need and were important for community wellbeing. The officers also brought along one of the service’s electric all-terrain vehicles (ATV).
The presenters spoke of the contributions made by those who serve and the impact such jobs and roles have in making Cayman a place people can be proud to call home, the release said.
Murray, who has been a school counsellor for 14 years, said, “Shortly before arriving here, I asked a teenager why school counsellors can be classed as superheroes and they replied “…because they save lives”. I couldn’t think of a better answer.”
Social worker Melissa Alexander, who was the event’s emcee, and held a question-and-answer session with young moviegoers about the presentations, with those answering correctly getting prizes. The screening of the animated LEGO movie followed.
“Our presenters were a representative sample of Cayman’s unsung heroes,” said MASH social work manager Tiffany Myles. “Their presentations were delivered to inspire and motivate our young people. These times are particularly critical for children in relation to their future career goals because we cannot anticipate the challenges today’s children will confront as grown-ups.
“Young people are turning their eyes to social media for examples of who they should be. Our event gave young moviegoers real-life superheroes in whose footsteps they can follow, to not only become upstanding citizens but to also give back to the community that is raising them.”
During the intermission pizza, chips and beverages were given out, and children had the opportunity to take pictures with the real-life superheroes, and were given masks to wear. Following the screening the youngsters were given superhero goodie bags.
Category: Community
