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Newsletter Issue
#90 |
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On behalf of the Board of Directors,
General Membership, Executive Director, and Staff of Sesame Flyers
International Inc., we mourn the passing of our beloved Foundress,
Brenda Munroe Charles, who was called home on January 21,
2026. |
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The months to come will be filled with opportunities to strengthen our programs, deepen our community connections, and expand the ways we serve. Our vision for 2026 is rooted in vitality. Together, we will keep building on the foundation that makes us a trusted and impactful organization. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who continues to support our mission, our team members, volunteers, partners, and supporters. Your dedication and belief in our work allow us to move forward with confidence and purpose. Because of you, we are able to continue living out our motto and carrying our mission into every space we serve. As we welcome this new year, let us remain united, inspired, and committed to making 2026 a year of meaningful progress and shared success. Thank you for being an essential part of the Sesame Flyers International family.
Wishing you a
joyful, healthy, and fulfilling New Year. |
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Sesame Flyers International proudly invites you to an extraordinary evening celebrating the heart, soul, and brilliance of the Caribbean. Join us on June 20, 2026, for the Caribbean Essence Awards & Showcase, an iconic celebration honoring visionary leaders, cultural trailblazers, and promising young scholars who continue to preserve and elevate our rich Caribbean legacy. As we commemorate 43 years of impact, this year’s celebration unfolds beneath the open sky in a rooftop setting infused with tropical elegance. Expect an unforgettable night filled with radiant colors, the sounds of home, electrifying performances, and the energy that defines our Caribbean culture. Your presence will fuel our mission to empower youth, expand opportunities, and uplift our community for generations to come.
Save the date
and join us for an evening of culture, connection, and celebration,
where the Caribbean spirit shines bright. |
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Sesame Flyers International proudly
honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through purposeful and
impactful service at the HES Community Center. In recognition of this
important Day of Service, our dedicated volunteers came together with a
shared spirit of compassion and commitment to give back, uplift, and
strengthen the community we serve. Throughout the day, acts of service
reflected the values Dr. King championed—unity, selflessness, and
collective responsibility—demonstrating the powerful difference that can
be made when individuals work together for the greater good. This
meaningful experience reaffirmed our organization’s dedication to
service and community empowerment, while honoring Dr. King’s enduring
vision of hope, justice, and positive change. |
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Do your part to present a young person the experience of a lifetime. Entrepreneurs, small and large have an opportunity to show our youth ages 16-24 how to establish good work habits and learn what it means to run a business. Hosting a young person this summer for six weeks from July 6 to August 14 for 25 hours per week can make a life changing impact. Participants who are randomly selected by a lottery are matched with a worksite for the summer in a variety of industries from health care to finance. The SYEP program is a success because local businesses have shared their knowledge and wisdom while connecting our young people to the benefits of a good work ethic. Sponsored by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, the SYEP program has implemented web based application and payroll systems for the participants. Participants are issued debit cards and those who have bank accounts are paid through direct deposit. Older Youth earn NYS minimum wage and learn time management, fiscal responsibility and how to contribute as a member of an effective team. SYEP Participants spend their summer putting into practice 21st century skills for success: innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking. Youth aged 14 and 15 participate in Project Based Learning experiences related to growing industries. Here they develop the soft skills required for success including team work, creativity, and customer service. Youth who participate in the Project Based experiences can earn up to $700 in stipends.
If you own a local business, you can
provide a work experience to a young person that will last a lifetime.
Worksite applications are available now, get started with the online
pre-app here. Contact sfisyep@sesameflyers.org for a hardcopy
application. The worksite application deadline is May 8, 2026. For more
information, click the DYCD link. |
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The Bildersee Beacon Saturday Program’s visit to the Art Exhibit at the
Amani Exchange was an inspiring and enriching experience for our young
participants. Surrounded by vibrant artwork and creative expression, the
students were encouraged to explore new perspectives, engage in
thoughtful conversations, and connect art to their own stories and
emotions. The exhibit sparked curiosity, imagination, and confidence,
allowing the children to see art not only as something to observe, but
as a powerful tool for self-expression and cultural appreciation. This
meaningful experience left a lasting impression, reinforcing the
importance of creativity, exposure to the arts, and community spaces
that nurture young minds. |
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Winthrop Beacon hosted an exciting and memorable Sip & Paint event for
program parents while participants enjoyed a fun-filled movie night,
creating a meaningful evening for the entire family. Parents embraced
the opportunity to relax, connect, and express their creativity in a
welcoming and uplifting atmosphere, while children enjoyed a safe,
entertaining space to unwind with friends. The simultaneous experiences
fostered joy, balance, and a strong sense of community, strengthening
family bonds and reinforcing the program’s commitment to supporting both
participants and their caregivers. The event left families feeling
refreshed, connected, and valued—highlighting the power of shared
experiences that nurture the whole family. |
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Weill Cornell Medicine is offering an exciting opportunity for youth ages 15–20 to participate in the “No Baby No” research study, led by Aileen Gariepy, MD, MPH, MHS and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Participants will play a short video game on a tablet that includes content about health and related activities including sexual activity. Participation is voluntary, and you can earn up to $275 for taking part.
● Sessions: February & March
To participate, scan the QR code on the flyer to reserve your spot. A
member of the research team will contact you with next steps. |
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As
we step into a brand new year, I want to take a moment to welcome 2026
with gratitude, hope, and renewed purpose. A new year brings fresh
opportunities to grow, reflect, and continue making a meaningful impact
together. At Sesame Flyers International, we begin this chapter
energized by all that we’ve accomplished and inspired by what lies
ahead.
