07/06/2026
GIYF Community Service Activation Recap
One month ago, on day 6th, the Girl Ignite Your Fire (GIYF) Teen Summit & Cultural Exchange came to a close, but with a call to action not a farewell.
At ZCMMMP, we believe that civic engagement is the foundation for positive change. Service creates meaningful impact, and we believe young people should be empowered to become the change they want to see in the world. Civic responsibility builds character, strengthens communities, encourages forward thinking, creates a sense of belonging, and reminds our youth that their voices and actions matter.
On the final day of our summit, participants put those values into practice through two impactful community service projects across the island of St. Croix.
One team traveled to Frederiksted on the west end of the island under the leadership of Kaila Francis, where they completed a large-scale beach cleanup and beautification project. Together, they collected bags of litter, working safely and collaboratively while applying the teamwork and leadership skills they had developed throughout the week. After restoring the shoreline, the participants designed a beautiful sign encouraging beachgoers to help preserve the island's natural beauty and protect its marine life by keeping the beaches clean.
At the same time, another group, led by Jeannette Guzman, served at Aquaponics Grounds alongside the incredible Adriana, whose passion for sustainable agriculture inspired everyone involved. Participants harvested crops, maintained inventory, planted seeds, and explored the importance of agriculture and environmental stewardship. The fresh produce they harvested was inspected, packaged, and donated to organizations working to combat hunger in St. Croix demonstrating that even small acts of service can nourish an entire community.
Throughout both projects, teens learned that volunteerism is more than completing a task it is about showing up, taking ownership, and understanding the lasting difference one person can make through service.
After both service projects concluded, everyone gathered at Sejah Farm, where we were warmly welcomed by Ms. Brown. There, participants collaborated on a powerful community mapping activity, identifying areas across St. Croix they viewed as places of safety, danger, and sanctuary. This exercise provided valuable insight into how our young people experience their community and reminded us how important it is to listen to their voices as we work toward creating safer, healthier neighborhoods.
The day concluded with fellowship over homemade plantain chips, fresh fruit salad, and refreshing lemongrass iced tea. Ms. Brown congratulated the participants on an incredible week and reminded them that the day's work was about much more than picking up trash or harvesting crops. It was about accepting the responsibility of protecting our environment, supporting sustainability, preserving our natural resources, and investing in the future of our communities. Her words were educational, inspiring, and deeply empowering.
It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable week of leadership, wellness, cultural exchange, sisterhood, and service.
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Alexander of Safari & Island Tours for safely transporting our participants throughout the day's activities.
A photo featured here captures one of our proudest moments the donation of the generous harvest of fresh greens to My Brother's Table VI, helping support daily meals for individuals experiencing food insecurity since 1989. It serves as a reminder that when young people serve with compassion, the impact extends far beyond a single day.
As bittersweet as it was to conclude our inaugural GIYF Teen Summit & Cultural Exchange, there was no greater reward than watching these young women leave knowing they have the power to create meaningful change wherever they go.
Our work is not done, in fact it just got started. Stay tuned...
