DeFreitas urges youths to be more patriotic

08.June.07

by Karen Palmer

The revival of social groups and grass root development was the topic of the day for Youth Ambassador Kyle DeFreitas, a discussant at the National Economic and Social Development Plan consultation for the Kingstown Community held at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall on Tuesday.{{more}}

Whereas DeFreitas was quick to point out that he is not an expert in social or economic development, both his involvement and passion within those spheres deemed his words both plausible and commendable. He shared concerns of the diminishing number of social groups, and questioned whether those remaining are simply existing or actually functioning in society, adding that the progress of social development is highly dependent upon such institutions.

DeFreitas outlined the importance of social groups in terms of sustainable social development by first speaking of these groups as aiding the development of an individual’s organizational capacity, which in turn fosters self-development and puts them at an advantage for future employment. He also said that these group help individuals recognize and seize viable opportunities, as well as take advantage of all available resources. DeFreitas said that through these developments, individuals who are referred to as being at the “bottom” of the economy may climb the ladder to becoming economically significant.

The Youth Ambassador also stressed the importance of youth being patriotic, as he lamented that “There is a greater need to help young people understand who they are, where they come from, what are their responsibilities…”. The Youth Ambassador introduced the idea that informal education needs to be prioritized, as learning core social values and responsibilities plays an integral role in creating a environment where social development can thrive.

DeFreitas further discussed that functioning social groups, whether faith or community based, act as an additional outlet for youth to learn these values and lighten the burden of teachers. (See more on Page 25)