Going Against the Grain Peace Coalition, an organization founded by Daily News Columnist Devin “Dutchie” Robinson, announces The Seven Year Project. The coalition will be sending well-deserving students over the next seven years to visit selected Seven World Wonders. When asked of the details of this project, its founder Devin “Dutchie” Robinson said, “I believe that my success abroad as an adult comes from my parents investing in my travels as a youth. However, not all parents of well-deserving students can afford to, so I have committed, over the next seven years, to finding these well-deserving students and send them on excursions abroad.”
The project will require students to read one book selected by the coalition. Upon reading the book, students must submit a comprehensive essay on the book by the deadline to qualify for the excursion abroad. Once the winner is selected, the student, along with one guardian and his or her favorite teacher, will be sent on the trip over the summer. This project is for actively enrolled high school students in public or private school in the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts.
Stop the Bleeding founder and second lady of the Virgin Islands, Cheryl Francis, said, "I fully support the efforts of Going Against the Grain and, in particular, this project. Anything that contributes to our youth getting exposure, seeing where their potential can take them and getting growth from outside their immediate surroundings is a great thing."
Some of the Seven World Wonders to be visited are the Grand Canyon, Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal. "This project is destined to change the minds of our youth and prepare them for the world," said Janet Brow, district director for School Community Relations.
Robinson sees this as a huge win for all participants, parents and the entire community. “Failure is running rampant among the teens of our territory. These drastic statistics call for drastic commitment! I have committed to seven years because seven is the number of completion. With the support of the community, we can complete this project. Our hope is the impact of the students’ experiences will be shared with their peers.”
For more details or to register your student, go to the7yearproject.com or ipromotepeace.org. Sponsors can call 626-8106 or e-mail info@ipromotepeace.org.
