Bullied as a teenager and forced to navigate life with a chronic illness, one young woman is now using those experiences to empower and support others facing their own challenges.
That young woman is Tiannah Winchester, who launched the Youth Empowerment for Chronic Illness Foundation in Tobago on Friday.
Recalling some of the challenges she faced during her transition to secondary school, when her illness had affected her physical appearance, Ms Winchester said the Foundation is dedicated to providing support, advocacy and resources for children and young people living with chronic illnesses.
“I remember being laughed at in a crowded cafeteria because of how I looked, being mocked in public. I remember running to empty classrooms and crying because I didn’t understand why something I couldn’t control had become something others felt entitled to make fun of.”
As she grew older, Tiannah’s condition improved, but the experience left a lasting impact and sparked a desire to help others like her find support and encouragement.
That desire ultimately led to the formation of the Youth Empowerment for Chronic Illness Foundation.
“It is about every child and young person who has ever felt isolated because of their condition, every child who was made to feel different, every teenager who has hidden their struggles because they are afraid of being judged.”
The launch of the Foundation was endorsed by THA Secretary of Youth Empowerment and Sport, Keigon Denoon.
“It is important for us to know that when persons are carrying this burden, as young people, we must support them, encourage them and not laugh at them and bully them.”
He praised Tiannah and the members of the Foundation for being willing to lead the change they want to see in the world.
“Our young people are not waiting to become young leaders someday; they are leading now. YECI is evidence of that.”
Secretary Denoon encouraged them to continue pursuing their mission and purpose, even when the road gets difficult.
The Foundation also unveiled its first initiative, the Hope Box project, with boxes containing self-care and emotional support items tailored to the needs of young people.