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In a world that is often dominated by self-interest and individualism, there are shining examples of individuals who embody the true spirit of community service. Latisa David is a shining example and remarkable young girl whose dedication to making her community a better place has inspired and touched the hearts of those around her. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and service.
Raised in the close-knit neighbourhood of Trafalgar, Latisa attended No.29 Primary School and got her secondary education from Bushlot Secondary. With a passion for education, she pursued a diploma in commerce from the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) and she is currently pursuing a diploma in Public Management from the University of Guyana.
From a young age, she had an innate desire to help others, so she got involved in a lot of church groups (i.e. youth group, Sunday school, dance group and the steel orchestra group). There Latisa worked with various persons and believed persons respected her for her personality. Working in groups made her more confident in herself and her abilities. “I had doubts about myself, today I can proudly say that I know longer doubt myself. I work hard to attain my goals. My favourite quote says teamwork makes the dream work,” Latisa told this publication.
Further she added, “I opted to do youth work because of these five traits: communication skill, resilience, self-belief, empathy and adaptability. Without these traits I would not have been where I am today. I was motivated to do youth work by the desire to make young people better or more mature or more adjusted or more fulfilled.”
As it relates to challenges, she feared people judging her, as well as allowing what other people say or think about her to get to her. David witnessed the struggles and challenges faced by her neighbours, relatives and friends. Instead of turning a blind eye, she decided to take action. Her journey into the world of community service began with small acts of kindness, like helping her elderly neighbour and/or relatives, as well as tutoring kids from her community who were struggling with their studies.
One day, while reflecting, she thought to herself, that she can only be herself, by doing what she loves. “I have not regretted taking negative criticism. I `used some of it to better my life,” she highlighted. Latisa stated, “I was not into public speaking, however working with groups made me overcome that fear and also sharpened my self-confidence.”
When asked for advice, she stressed, “Make plans but write them in pencil. It is important to plan ahead because it can give you a clear direction of where you want to go in life. Goals can be the injection of inspiration that helps us through a tough time. They help us organise our time and resources so we can make the most of life.
“But, while you may have a clear sense of your goal, the means of getting there may need to change. Life is unpredictable, and you can confront an unexpected crisis, either in your personal life or in business. You may need to pivot and move in another direction — you may get fired and the only job offer is in another city. The yellow brick road no longer looks the same, so you may need to adapt to new circumstances.
“On the other hand, unexpected opportunities may arise, and it’s stupid to ignore them simply because they weren’t part of your original plan. The means of reaching your goal no longer looks the same, but plans need to be flexible to absorb the impact of positive and negative events. While plans can give you clarity, don’t get fixated on them. Plans will almost always change so be prepared! It’s called living life with open arms. You will end up where you’re meant to be, so don’t stress it.”
Two years ago at the Bazillos Learning Centre, a community group was formed by Ms.Tracey Channelle and her brother Travis Bruce. Latisa was elected president of the group and she holds that position to date. Via that group her passion for community work continued to evolve. This experience allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of the issues affecting her community and the ways in which she could contribute to positive change.
As someone who is passionate about education, she organises workshops and seminars on important community issues, such as STEM/robotics workshops, amongst others. She also did a back-to-school drive in 2021 and a sip-and-paint event. Her goal is not only to provide immediate relief but also to empower her neighbours and relatives with knowledge and skills that can lead to a brighter future.
Latisa’s story is a testament to the fact that age is no barrier when it comes to community service. Her dedication and passion for making a positive impact have transformed her community, proving that anyone, regardless of their age, can be a force for change.
Community work isn’t always easy, and there are times when she faces challenges and setbacks. However, her unwavering determination and resilience keep her going. She draws inspiration from the smiles on the faces of the people she helps, the gratitude in their voices, and the sense of togetherness she’s fostered in her community.
Her story reminds us that there is immense power in unity and in individuals who are willing to dedicate their time, energy, and compassion to the betterment of their communities.
As we celebrate the remarkable young girl who embodies the true spirit of community work, let Latisa’s story inspire us to seek out ways we can contribute to our own communities. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or a larger, ongoing initiative, every effort counts. Latisa David’s story teaches us that we can all make a difference, and when we come together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world.
