PAHO joins Graydon Sealy Secondary School in celebrating 50th anniversary with 5K walk and wellness fair

Bridgetown, Barbados, 22 September 2025 (PAHO) - This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Graydon Sealy Secondary School, which is located in Barbados. To commemorate the milestone, the school invited the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to participate in two activities, a 5K walk/run and its inaugural health and wellness fair.

On 19 September 2025, PAHO personnel joined students, faculty, and community members for the 5K walk. The route began at the school, located near the historic Garrison Savannah, wound through surrounding communities, and culminated with a lap around the Savannah before returning to the school. With the theme "Every step builds stronger youth," the event was marked by high energy and enthusiasm from both students and faculty. Water stations strategically placed along the route helped participants stay refreshed throughout the trek.

The Health and Wellness Fair followed immediately after the walk/run. PAHO was pleased to host an information booth alongside other exhibitors as part of its community outreach efforts, with a special focus on engaging youth.

During the fair, PAHO staff interacted with students and faculty, sharing information about the Organization's history, work, and impact. Many students expressed surprise at learning that PAHO is a 123-year-old international health organization with an office located near their school. Their curiosity and eagerness to learn underscored the importance of such outreach.

At the school's request, PAHO introduced students to its Virtual Campus for Public Health, highlighting opportunities to access free online courses. In addition, the team promoted PAHO's "Caribbean Youth Voices: 2025 Contest," which invites adolescents and young people across the Caribbean (ages 10-24) to creatively share their perspectives on adolescent pregnancy. We look forward to seeing entries from the students to be submitted before Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Week 2025 in the Caribbean, which is observed October 20 to 26. This year's theme is "Let's end child pregnancy."

A highlight of PAHO's booth was the interactive session featuring its 3-D health tree. Students were invited to reflect on the question, "What does health mean to you?" and write their responses on paper leaves before hanging them on the tree. The activity sparked thoughtful contributions such as:

• Health means that my body is in good physical and mental condition
• Health means to me to eat food to help me stay alive and not get sick
• Keeping fit and having a good diet

The health and wellness fair also showcased student talent, with classes contributing their skills to the event. The cosmetology department, for example, offered manicures and pedicures, creating a vibrant and interactive atmosphere.

Reflecting on the day, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, said, "We feel honoured to have been invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Graydon Sealy Secondary School. Despite our busy schedules, it was important to show up and participate. Community-based activities like these provide excellent opportunities for our team to connect with people. Health and wellness are at the heart of what we do, and we truly value the chance to share, especially with young people."