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A Jersey 'Bean' through and through, Sandra has spent the last 30 years as a charity champion keen to celebrate the achievements of children.
She has spent her whole life in Jersey and in that time she has: taken care of two daughters, four grandsons and one granddaughter while spending three decades volunteering at Variety, where she is now the charity's 'Chief Barker'.
As the charity's chair, she's also on the International Board as Europe's representative - a role that has seen her attend meetings as far afield as Los Angeles and a conference in Atlanta where she presented a repot on the work done by Variety in Europe.
Variety was founded in 1927 in Philadelphia and made it to Jersey over 50 years ago. It has branches helping children all around the world and Jersey is Number 52.
Pictured: Variety is a non-profit organisation that relies on donations.
At the moment, Sandra is getting ready for the Variety Young Star of the Year awards, which aim to ensure that "every deserving young person in Jersey is recognised for their achievements and efforts". The categories are Courage, Community, Carer, Sports, Arts and Academia, with the award-winners of each celebrated during a ceremony on Sunday 9 June at Government House, which is hosted by the Lieutenant Governor and his wife, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton and Lady Dalton.
The nominations process is simple, and can be done online by clicking here.
To no one's surprise, the upcoming awards mean that Sandra's schedule is rather full at the moment. But in the midst of planning, she found time to come up with five things she'd like to change about Jersey...
The Minister for Education, Senator Tracey Vallois, has confirmed that a new scheme is being developed and implemented, potentially in 2020. I would like to see them ensure that 20 hours of free nursery education remains in place for every child, and the hours to be increased for single parent or low-income families.
Pictured: Sandra wants it to be possible for parents to go back to work and not have to pay for exorbitant childcare.
This would make it easier for them to continue working without seeing a significant portion of their salaries being used to cover child care. The current system only provides hours during term-time and we see a number of people really struggling during school holidays when they have to find additional funds.
Variety has helped to fund a number of ‘trim trails’ and outdoor play areas for schools in Jersey, such as Springfield, Janvrin and Trinity. There is very clear research that supports the benefits of exercise to keep fit, maintain a healthy weight and increase concentration. I think the States should make suitable outdoor spaces a priority in every school in Jersey.
Pictured: Sandra thinks we should have more playgrounds like these in schools, funded by Education
It shouldn’t have to be funded by charities or paid for by parents. Some children, especially in St Helier don’t have gardens at home and school time is one of their opportunities to run and play outside – let’s make it easier for them to do that.
Millbrook was recently redeveloped and now has a great inclusive play area that allows children with different physical needs to make full use of the facilities and be able to enjoy playing with their friends.
Pictured: In Sandra's opinion all children should be able to enjoy playing, no matter what their physical needs are
I would like to see this spread out across the islands and for all play areas be designed with consideration for all children, not just the able-bodied.
I believe that there should be more parking spaces made available for the disabled, especially in the long stay areas.
Pictured: According to Sandra there aren't enough disabled parking spaces
We have a number of parents who need to use these spaces for their children’s wheelchairs or special buggies and they really struggle to find convenient spaces. It is hard enough for people with limited mobility to plan trips out without them having to drive round for ages trying to find a space to park.
Let’s get on and do something with this site and stop the endless talking about it. When my children were young it used to be so full of life and was the place to go.
Pictured: Sandra wants the Fort to be at the top of our to-do list
Jersey is a small island and space is limited so it seems such a shame to me that this premium site is being wasted.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author, and not of Bailiwick Express.
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