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Summer 2005 programme
During 2005, ‘Operation Sunshine’ worked in collaboration with other special needs organisations, and also with the local community in Bimini.
Bimini Community
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"In loving memory of Carolyn Burke who helped us so much with Operation Sunshine - her light will continue to shine in many hearts. With all our love and prayers for everyone that lost loved ones in Bimini during this difficult time".
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‘Operation Sunshine’ is working with the local community in Bimini to encourage creativity and the exchange of culture between different countries. This special needs programme is supported by Ashley Saunders, Author of ‘History of Bimini’ and Teacher at the Bimini All Age School along with Carolyn Burke, Potter and Proprietor of the Bimini Art Center and Gallery.
Ashley Saunders- school teacher and author
Ashley at the Dolphin House
Some of the many mosaics
Ashley with Horace Dobbs (Patron & Director of IDW)
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Thank you to Carolyn Burke in Bimini for giving us these word. A sentiment we share at IDW/Operation sunshine:
While walking along a beach a man saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it into the ocean.
As he came closer, he saw thousands of starfish the tide had thrown on the beach. Unable to return to the ocean during low tide, the starfish were dying. He observed a young man picking up the starfish one by one and throwing them back into the water.
After watching the seemingly futile effort, the observer said, “there must be thousands of starfish on this beach. It would be impossible for you to get to all of them. There are simply too many. You can’t possibly save enough to make a difference”.
The young man smiled as he continued to pick up another starfish and toss it back into the ocean.
”It made a difference to that one, he replied”
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We noticed that most of the participants with learning difficulties developed with confidence and communication skills after swimming with the dolphins.
Here are some of the comments received following their programme
- Since I swam with the dolphins I don’t seem so tired and have more energy. At home I am always going to sleep.
- I thought the island was very nice being so small, next to the beach and the people friendly
- I did swim with the dolphins and liked them making dolphin sounds.
- I liked all of the programme
- I would go again because it was therapeutic
- Very friendly people. I enjoyed making new friends
- The best part of the programme was swimming with the dolphins and snorkelling around the Three Sisters Rocks
- I would like to go again to learn new skills on the island and make a lot of new friends there.
- I would like to go again because people were friendly and kind.
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