Inaugural slogan and poster competition promotes kidney health

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Just two days before World Diabetes Day, the Peer Educators Student Movement of the Bahamas Kidney Association (BKA) held its first slogan and poster competition and fun walk to raise awareness for kidney health in The Bahamas.

Noting that diabetes and hypertension are the two main causes of kidney disease, Bahamas Kidney Association President Tamika Roberts expressed the importance of working with and through youth to reduce instances of kidney failure in The Bahamas. 

“We must involve students in these kinds of initiatives for the future health of our nation. Educating these students on the importance of diet, exercise, and adequate water intake, can definitely have a positive impact on The Bahamas,” said Roberts. 

“I believe that once this generation begins to make these changes, then we as a Bahamian people will begin to see over time, a decline in kidney disease, hypertension, and diabetes. These things affect the Bahamian population and affect the black community at large.” 

Some 70 students participated in the slogan and poster competition and represented a myriad of schools including Doris Johnson Senior High, L.W. Young Junior High, Windsor School, Bahamas Academy, Queen’s College, Temple Christian School, C.R. Walker Senior High, St. John’s College, Aquinas College, and St. Andrew’s Anglican School.

A total of 41 slogans and 12 posters were submitted. 

Before the winners were announced, students and supporters of the BKA participated in a fun walk from Arawak Cay to Rawson Square and back. The group showcased signs and chanted slogans along the way to help raise awareness while handing out informational pamphlets and flyers to drivers and pedestrians along the way. 

Arjun Shetty, President of the Student Volunteer Branch of the Bahamas Kidney Association said a lot of planning went into preparations for the event. He also highlighted the importance of the involvement of students. 

“Now we know how to prevent it so when we become older, we’re not the ones afflicted by the disease,” Shetty said. 

“We want to bring down the statistics of not only chronic kidney disease but things like diabetes, hypertension, and other diseases in our country.” 

Winners were announced on Saturday, November 12 at Arawak Cay.

The winning slogan was “water and greens will keep your Kidneys clean,” presented by Derenicka Devine from L.W. Young. Kaiwana Richardson, also from the school, placed second with “be wise and exercise… let your kidneys stay alive!”

Queen’s College’s Gregory Stubbs took home the third place pride with “there is wealth in Kidney health”. 

Placing first in the high school division for the poster competition was Dashon Smith of Bahamas Academy, while Aryan Shetty of Queen’s College won the primary division. 

The Bahamas Kidney Association was registered in 2021 as a non-profit organization. Peer Educators Student Movement was created in September of 2022. 

For more information on the BKA, to attend or volunteer at upcoming events or to donate, bahamaskidneyassociation.org.