Randolph-Macon College alumni Brianne Habit ’19 and Stephenson Botten ’19 had long wanted to give back to others. This summer, they fulfilled that quest when they created and implemented a project to benefit The Shelter for Battered Women and Children in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Their project, Improving Shelter Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence in Trinidad and Tobago, was aided by a $10,000 grant from the Davis Projects for Peace program. In addition, Hanover Safe Place partnered with Habit and Botten to provide domestic violence survivor resources and consulting on shelter best practices.

A Culturally Diverse Country
Trinidad and Tobago is a twin island country that is the southernmost nation of the West Indies in the Caribbean.

Botten, who majored in accounting, says, “Trinidad and Tobago is a culturally and racially diverse country. This is especially true in the capital of Port of Spain and it’s reflected in many aspects of daily life, from cuisine to family.”

Habit and Botten spent a week assisting the Shelter by updating their filing system, improving administrative procedures, and leading workshops. The two were accompanied by RMC Assistant Dean of Students James McGhee, who served as their advisor and mentor.

Busy Days
Habit and Botten’s days were busy and fast-paced. They attended a Domestic Violence Summit sponsored by the Spanish Embassy and the Coalition Against Domestic Violence; conducted workshops at The Shelter for Battered Women and Children; and led a day-long workshop on trauma and self-care for Shelter staff and other NGOs serving the survivors of domestic violence.

“We are extremely passionate about this project and are so glad that we were able to make a huge difference for the Shelter,” says Habit, a political science and communication studies major who will begin law school this fall. Habit and Botten also facilitated the sharing of resources between shelters and began a significant conversation about the best way to provide services for the survivors of domestic violence.

On the day that the two hosted the Sister to Sister program, NGOs from across the country gathered together to discuss ways to empower survivors of domestic violence and their allies to seek assistance through innovative programs. Theresa Bean, professor of criminology at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland and a domestic violence survivor advocate, attended via Zoom and shared best empowerment practices.

Training + Opportunity
At the Russell Latapy Secondary School, Habit and Botten conducted leadership training for 27 guidance counselors employed by the Ministry of Education.

“We were also honored to be invited by His Excellency John Pilbeam, The Australian High Commissioner, to a dinner at the Ambassador’s residence,” says McGhee. “This was an incredible opportunity to debrief and discuss domestic violence issues affecting Trinidad and Tobago.”

The Shelter for Battered Women and Children, which is currently rebuilding its safe house, will reopen this fall and house 19 adults and children. “Our Davis Projects for Peace initiative served as a reminder of the prevalence of gender-based violence and the many forms it takes,” says Botten. “While there have been strides for progress, our work to end domestic violence must continue.”

The Davis Projects for Peace Program
Projects for Peace was created in 2007. Undergraduates at 90 partner schools of the Davis United World College Scholars Program annually submit plans for Projects for Peace. Winning proposals are funded through the program.Other RMC students have created projects that were funded by the Davis program, including Farah Hatoum ’18.

Leadership and Service at RMC
In 2018-19, RMC students collectively amassed more than 23,000 volunteer hours and donated $48,860 to various causes. Students in Fraternity and Sorority Life contributed more than 13,600 hours of collective service to the community and donated nearly $27,000 to various organizations and philanthropies. In addition, $15,650 was raised and donated to the American Cancer Society from the annual Relay for Life.