NUFF TINGS BOYS’ & GIRLS’ CLUB
Fountain Village, St. James Parish, Nevis
869-469-8232 (Home)  869-665-7945 (Cell)

Christiana Cozier-Smith was born in Fountain Village, St. James, Nevis, but resided in St. Kitts for fifty-one years.

On relocating to Nevis, she observed that some of the boys in her village were either just liming around, riding old bicycles or fixing them. She became concerned, especially at their lack of supervision.

She prayed and was prompted by the Holy Spirit to start a Club that would take the boys off the street. This was followed by meetings with the parents and guardians to share her observations, concerns, plans and to seek their permission and support for their sons to join the Club.

The Nuff Tings Boys’ Club was founded on Saturday 12th September 2015, and was officially launched on Sunday 17th June 2018, with thirty-two (32) boys, ages 5 to 18 years.

The Club, whose motto is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” meets weekly, every Saturday, and is registered with the Community Development Department.

The Mission of the Nuff Tings Boys’ Club is:

To inspire, encourage and enable the boys t experience new opportunities, overcome social barriers and develop positive relationships/life skills, thereby reaching their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens, through mentorship and positive, all-inclusive activities.

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​Throughout the years the Nuff Tings Boys’ Club has been seeking assistance from interested persons, organizations and stakeholders, with providing the necessary mentorship, gear, tools and equipment for the boys to properly carry out the Club’s planned activities.

 

As a result of the support and donations of all the stakeholders, the Club was able to engage in a number of activities including:

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• “Eat What You Grow” Agriculture Project

• Clean-Up Campaigns and replacement of can for adequate garbage disposal.

• The use of bio-degradable and eco-friendly materials.

• Hatching and planting of coconut and other trees on the Island.

• Installation of water catchment facilities.

• Education on the environment and other areas of importance.

• Wholesome and meaningful activities aimed at engaging the youth, e.g. church involvement.

• Learning to play musical instruments.

• Indoor and outdoor games.

• Sports.

• Homework Assistance Programme.

• Mentorship and teaching life skills and various art-forms.

 

It must be noted that the Fountain Villagers and those in the surrounding areas have willingly assisted in the setting up and success of the Nuff Tings Boys’ Club to date.

 

Over the years, we have seen a general improvement in the boys and, even though some consider themselves too big for the programme and the activities, they come out and participate well. It is clear that they have created a bond and want to be a part of whatever is happening in the Club. Parents and guardians come out to support their youth in the activities and special events. The music programme in particular, has attracted great interest among the boys, who don’t miss the practice sessions and invitations to perform from various groups and organizations, especially The Church. This then improves the relationship among families, as parents, guardians and other family members proudly cheer on their children and encourage them.

 

N.B: The boys are being taught to play the drums, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, guitar, piano, steel pan,…. You name it! In addition to boosting their self-confidence and discipline, it teaches proper time management and listening skills.  It also promotes a spirit of excellence among them, which it is hoped will extend to their overall life.

 

Presently, as some of the older boys outgrow and exit the group, as they gain employment or change address, the goal is to target and enroll new young members on a continuous basis. Also, to invite some of the older boys to share their experiences with the new members, on how the Club would have benefitted them, as a means of encouraging and motivating the new members.

 

The Nuff Tings Boys’ Club has served its initial purpose of taking the boys off the street and providing a positive alternative for them, without discrimination.

 

As we know, the mentoring of youth is an ongoing exercise, and not an easy one. It requires all hands on deck. It also requires daily prayer and divine intervention.

 

We thank God for where He has brought the Club thus far and look forward to the future, with His love, guidance, protection and provision.

 

Every blessing!!

 

Thank You

 

,Christiana Smith