The current president of the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston is a hard-working dynamo and research coordinator to Prime Minister Bruce Golding. Suzanne Leslie-Bailey has great plans for the popular service club. In an email interview, Flair asked her to share some of them with readers.

What made you decide to become a member of the Kiwanis Club and how have you found the club to date?

The Kiwanis movement's primary focus is service to children, and I am passionate about the well-being of our nation's children. God blessed me with wonderful parents, who ensured that I had a near-perfect childhood. I never take this for granted, but believe that I must embrace the responsibility of helping to make the lives of less fortunate children better. Even if you did not have a good childhood, you too, should be determined to ensure that the lives of children are better and must be protected.

The Kiwanis Club of New Kingston has, over the years, implemented a range of significant projects. However, with the recent global recession, some members are distracted by the professional, personal and financial demands. As the current president, I have to strive to balance my own exuberance of seeing and getting things done, with patience and understanding, mindful that I am leading volunteers. At the same time, I can never let members forget the reason for being a Kiwanian and that is to give service. I am currently enjoying what has been a nine-year journey in the club - loving the service that is rendered and the camaraderie and fellowship with my Kiwanian 'sisters'.

With your busy work schedule, how do you find time for this activity? Are you a member of any other such group?

Prime Minister Golding who is my boss, knows about and understands my deep involvement in the Kiwanis movement. I can cite a recent occurrence of the understanding that he sometimes exercises. The club, on Saturday, December 12, held its Christmas treat on the grounds of Jamaica House. During the treat, he returned from Montego Bay by helicopter and landed in proximity to where the treat was being held. The Prime Minister came and greeted the children. I was scheduled to attend an event with him later that afternoon; on seeing how busy I was with the treat and how exhausted I would be after, he relieved me of that scheduled work activity. However, I make my job the priority; and basically do not push my luck.

No, I am not a member of any other service group - time would not permit me; Kiwanis places considerable demands on my time, especially now that I am president.

What gives you the most satisfaction in the club?

The service to the children and other vulnerable and marginalised citizens. I am consumed by the need to see them empowered and uplifted; and encouraged to have a new mindset, where they shun complete dependence and make room for self-accountability and responsible decision-making.

What is the club's major project this year?

My major project for this year is the provision of hospital equipment for the Neo-Natal Ward at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. This need was brought to my attention by my presidential adviser, Beverly Thompson, a past distinguished president of the club. There were newspaper articles detailing the trauma parents endure, on the death of their premature babies;

and the resounding appeals by various hospital administrators for assistance in getting this much-needed equipment.

You have a scholarship programme for needy children; how much money was used to seed the fund and how much would you like it to have?

No club funds were used to seed the scholarship fund. On launching the fund on October 29, corporate entities such as First Caribbean International Bank, LIME and National Commercial Bank, responded to our call for donations. We are grateful to them for assisting us in almost achieving our initial J$1million target. The scholarship fund currently stands at approximately J$900,000. In addition, we have pledges from various companies and individuals.

The J$1million goal is a moving one as, the more funds we garner, the more students will benefit.

When do you plan to start disbursing the funds to students, and do you plan to expand to the rest of the island?

The funds will be disbursed sometime in 2010. By, January, we intend to start the selection process of suitable beneficiaries, in collaboration with the relevant school principals and teachers.

Our initial beneficiaries will be drawn from the five high schools, in which the club currently operates its Key Clubs under the Kiwanis Service Leadership Programme. These schools are Denham Town, Trench Town, Kingsway, Hydel and Immaculate Conception high schools. There are no immediate plans to expand to the rest of the island.

How do you balance career and private/family life?

I engage persons, with whom I am closely associated or involved, in my activities in whatever way I can. Such persons have a clear understanding of my job-related associations, as well as my Kiwanis activities, so they are mobilised to assist as best as possible, to minimise the pressures that accompany these activities. However, pressures will mount and, of course, time spent with loved ones will sometimes be the casualty.

Women have long held things together in the home and family; what advice or encouragement would you give to women who are not coping well right now?

My advice is really two-pronged. First, to women who have not yet embarked on that particular journey of family life, I recommend that they make very prudent decisions, in the selection of their partners. It is critical that you choose one who will responsibly 'shoulder' his mandated duties - both as husband and father.

To the women who have to wrestle with the challenges of being the 'mother-father', I urge them to seek the help of their extended families and friends. God is also your greatest strength and source in difficult times. He is my solace during the very troubling times in my own personal life. Also, always make room for, 'me time' - to rejuvenate and refresh yourselves, as that is how best you will be equipped to tackle the battles that lie ahead.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com