Shara Foundation

04/17/2026

Dear Shara Foundation Community,

I have been awfully quiet for the past seven months, not because I stopped caring about my dreams and the legacy of Shara Blaisdell, that every child deserves love and an opportunity to shine. I have not given up, nor do I have any intention of doing so.

For the past seven months, there has not been a single day that I have not thought about the precious children and youth of Grenada, who are in need of some of the most basic resources. Not a night has passed without my heart aching because I understand from experience their struggles and can attest to their needs.

However, during this time, if I may be completely honest, my primary goal, my best efforts, have been to merely survive each day. It has been incredibly difficult navigating what has been one of the hardest seasons of my life.

In the past seven months, I lost my precious mom, suddenly and unexpectedly. She was not just a mother to the adult version of me, but someone who healed so many parts of the 9-year-old girl who once lost her biological mother and longed deeply for that love.

I also lost my Godmother, Ms Edith Phillip, someone who loved me dearly from the day I was born. She was a selfless supporter who held deep love for children, especially those in residential homes.

I lost a niece who lived in New York and had a beautiful life ahead of her. She was kind, bright, and a treasure to our family.

And recently, my siblings and I learned that our dear father is ill.

I am currently preparing to relocate from Salt Lake City, Utah, to move closer, join forces with my siblings, and support my most loving father.

I am sharing this message to be transparent and authentic with you. The work of Shara Foundation has not stopped in my heart, and the legacy of Shara Blaisdell continues to live within this mission.

Shara Foundation initiatives will continue, and updates will be shared as I am able to settle and regain stability. I remain committed, dedicated, and unwavering in my purpose to bless the lives of vulnerable children and youth in Grenada and beyond.

Thank you for your patience, your grace, and your continued belief in this work.

With gratitude and love,
Salisha (Dr. SAB)

09/03/2025

❤️👏🏽❤️

08/27/2025

Congratulations!!🎉 ❤️

The Ministry of Education warmly welcomes newly appointed Chief Education Officer, Dianne Abel-Jeffrey Ph.D., who commenced her new role on Monday 25th August.

Dr. Abel-Jeffrey began her journey as an educator in 1996 at Mac Donald College, serving as a teacher until 2016. She then transitioned to the role of Principal at the St. Andrew's Anglican Secondary School (SAASS) in February 2016 until July 2025.

Dr. Abel-Jeffrey has also served as a trade unionist, in the position of assistant General Secretary of the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT), and as an administrator, she served as President of the Caribbean Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (CAPSS), President of Grenada Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (GAPSS), Chair of the Grenada Secondary School Games Association, member of the Board of Governor Caribbean Examinations Council, and partner of Caricom Girls in ICT Partnership.

She holds a Certificate of Education in Teacher Education, Bachelor of Education Administration (1st Class Honors), a Master of French Language, a Master of Language Education in French (major) and Spanish (minor) and Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Dr. Dianne Abel-Jeffrey is a proud alumnus of St. Giles Anglican School, St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School, T A. Marryshow Community College and the University of the West Indies. GIS Grenada

07/15/2025

✨👌
Education is key 🇬🇩❤️

“It is absolutely vital that we do everything within our resources to ensure that we prioritise the education of our population.”

The new St. David’s Catholic Secondary School in Marlmount represents more than a new building, it represents a renewed focus on educating our people at every level.

Education is not only for the youth; it is the foundation upon which we build a capable, resilient, and forward-thinking society. As we invest in modern facilities and improved learning environments, we are also cultivating a culture of continuous learning, one where every citizen is given the opportunity to grow, adapt, and thrive.

This is how we build human capacity. This is how we transform Grenada.

As part of Vision 75, we remain committed to empowering our people through education, ensuring that every Grenadian has the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of our country.

05/21/2025

Our Executive Director, Dr. Salisha Allard-Blaisdell, is delighted to share that I have been invited as a scholar presenter at the 2nd Annual St. George’s University (SGU) Education Summit in Grenada!🇬🇩

Under the theme “Transformative Education in Local Communities,” this summit brings together educators, researchers, creatives, and students from across the region and beyond, to explore bold, inclusive, and wellness-centered approaches to teaching and learning.

✨ Although most of the presentations will be delivered in-person at SGU’s campus, as a specially invited Grenadian scholar living abroad, she received the privilege of delivering my presentation remotely. ✨

She will be presenting my PhD field research which investigated how particular leadership traits impact the resilience of youth, especially those from disavtaged backgrounds. She is especially honored to share how my findings directly inform the foundation and continued work of Shara Foundation, specifically our efforts to uplift youth in marginalized communities through education, health, and empowerment.

With over 27 presentations, dynamic student panels, and groundbreaking scholarship, this summit is more than an event, it’s a movement. She is grateful to be part of a collective vision reimagining the future of education.

Cheers to transforming our communities, one student, one school, one story at a time.

05/16/2025

✨Cycle of Empowerment in Action at Happy Hill Secondary School✨

With the school’s sports season concluded and students returning after a two-week Easter break, the Shara Foundation was honored to resume its Cycle of Empowerment: Menstrual Health Education Pilot Program with a powerful visit to Happy Hill Secondary School.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Certified Days for Girls Ambassador of Women's Health 101, Rokel Allard and Shara Foundation Advisory Team member, Nikita Allert, facilitated a dynamic and transformative session focused on menstrual and vital health education. This visit marked another milestone in our ongoing effort to end period poverty in Grenada and create safe, informed spaces for girls to learn, grow, and thrive.

In attendance were Principal Ms. Nerissa James, six supportive teachers, and 130 students from Forms 1 to 4. While Form 5 students were unavailable due to exams, they will receive their kits and training through follow-up sessions supported by the school’s leadership, and our team standing by for follow-up.

The session covered critical topics including:

☀️Menstrual health and hygiene

☀️Debunking myths and breaking taboos around periods

☀️How to use and care for Days for Girls Premium Washable Pad Kits

Students were also introduced to the sustainable and eco-friendly Days for Girls Premium Washable Pads, empowering them to manage their periods with dignity and confidence. Thanks to the generosity of Days for Girls International, a total of 200 kits were donated to support students at Happy Hill Secondary School.

This program is more than a distribution of products, it is about education, empowerment, and equity. Our pilot program seeks to ensure that no girl misses school because of her period, and that every girl is equipped with the knowledge, tools, and support to navigate puberty with confidence and care.

✨ Together, we are not only addressing period poverty, we are investing in the health, resilience, and future of Grenada’s next generation of young women.

05/08/2025

💙

‼️Update on the Shara Foundation’s 2024 Vocational Study Award Recipient‼️

✨Despite being abused and facing early pregnancy, our 2024 vocational study awardee refuses to let her past define her ✨

Meet Laurine Thomas — a resilient and determined single mother of three who reached out to us last year with a heartfelt dream: to pursue vocational training and create a better future for her children.

Thanks to the generosity of our incredible donors, the Shara Foundation proudly sponsored Laurine as our very first vocational scholarship recipient at New Life Organization (NEWLO).

She received the support she needed to begin her journey with confidence — from her registration fee, school supplies, uniforms, shoes, and backpack, to transportation assistance and even a donated Chromebook from Kaelyn Rai.💕

🔊Today, we are overjoyed to share that Laurine is completing her paid job training at one of Grenada’s senior living facilities — with the possibility of securing a long-term position! 🔊

🌟She is also on track to participate in NEWLO’s December 2025 graduation, where she will earn a Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level 2 in Allied Health and Geriatric Care (comparable to a Certified Nurse’s Assistant — CNA).☀️

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated faculty and staff at NEWLO for believing in Laurine and pouring into her journey. Additionally, a warm thank you to our generous donors to Shara Foundation whose contributions have created, and continue to create, life-changing impact!

Laurine’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when hope meets opportunity — and when a community/group comes together with a shared vision.

✨ This is what hope looks like.

04/23/2025

✨Happy World Book Day!✨

Looking for a reason to pick up a book? Check out this awesome video by Adam Del Duca (Better Than Yesterday) where he shares some of the top benefits of reading!

https://youtu.be/pRTWFqhEDeo

Reading improves your focus and concentration.With all the distractions nowadays, people have really big problems with concentrating. Don’t be one of them.Yo...

04/22/2025

✨ Open a book, open a life of possibilities. ✨

Tomorrow, April 23rd, 2025, as we celebrate World Book Day, we are reminded that literacy is more than just a skill, it is a superpower and a gateway to opportunity.

At Shara Foundation, we believe every child deserves access to the magic of reading. Every book placed in a child’s hands can be a step toward breaking the cycle of poverty and opening doors to a brighter future.

04/11/2025

🌸✨SPRING GIVING Continues ✨🌸

Because every child deserves comfort and dignity.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated!
Your gently used and new children’s clothing will make such a difference in the lives of the children in Grenada who need it most.

We are still collecting clean, gently used or new children’s clothing.

For drop off/pickup or mailing contact us at:[email protected]

Together, we clothe hearts—not just bodies.

04/08/2025

🌸 Spring into Giving: Help Us Clothe a Child in Need 🌸

As the season of renewal begins and spring cleaning fills your home with fresh energy, we ask you to pause for a moment and think of a child in Grenada who would treasure what you no longer need.

Many children across the island are in urgent need of clothing — not just for comfort, but for confidence, dignity, and everyday life. Your new or gently used clothes can do more than fill a drawer… they can warm a child’s heart.

👕 We are accepting all children’s sizes — from toddlers to teens.
We’ll take care of sorting and distributing where the need is greatest.

🧺 So as you make space in your closets this spring, consider making space in a child’s life for hope and kindness.

📦 Donations can be mailed or dropped off — message us to learn how.

From our hearts to yours, thank you for sharing love, one garment at a time.