National Youth Lecture Series Swings into Full Gear

The National Youth Lecture Series 2012 is a joint effort of local youths, in collaboration with the Vincentian Students Association (VINSA) of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, and the Youth Affairs Department of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).{{more}}

This year’s event takes place every Thursday from July 19 to August 9, commencing at 7:15 p.m. at the Peace Memorial Hall, and follows the theme: ‘Re-energizing and Repositioning Generation-Next in SVG’.

This lecture series is a symbol of the commitment of youths across St Vincent and the Grenadines to the national development process, and serves as a part of their contribution towards creating a brighter future for all Vincentians.

Having identified four thematic areas – considered to be among the most critical components of the national development process – this initiative takes the form of a four-part lecture series – each lecture focussing on one of the following themes: Youth in Education; Youth in Arts & Culture; Youth in Media; Youth in Entrepreneurship.

Each lecture would be delivered by a local youth whose contribution to civil society in their respective areas of expertise has given them a perspective beyond their years. The four distinguished speakers for the National Youth Lecture Series 2012 are: Tamira Browne (Educator, and CARICOM Youth Ambassador) – Youth in Education; Akley Olton (Visual Artist and Video Production Manager) – Youth in Arts and Culture; Deon John (Media Expert and NCCP Coordinator) – Youth in Media; Luke Browne (Economist and Politician) – Youth in Entrepreneurship.

Each speaker would make a 25-minute presentation on the theme for each forum. This would be followed by a 30-minute panel discussion, and a 25-minute open forum where the speaker for each night would be joined on stage by three specially selected panellists – each having a unique perspective on the topics at hand.

The conclusions of these forums would be compiled and forwarded to the respective ministers of government, for their consideration and for further discussion with local youth leaders. These conclusions would also be addressed through the UNDP’s Caribbean Youth Think Tank’s local representative, and all other relevant stakeholders.

Through the National Youth Lecture Series 2012, young people from across St Vincent and the Grenadines would be encouraged to embrace and uphold the core values of the UNDP’s Caribbean Youth Think Thank:

A-Accountability

C-Communication

T-Teamwork

I-Inclusion

O-Opportunities

N-Networking

Empowerment and innovation start with us creating a space for our youths.