Youths in St Vincent and the Grenadines have been encouraged to become a part of groups in their schools and communities.{{more}}

Through the Ministry of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities and Youth, a variety of programmes are available for young persons in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Acting youth officer, Anastacia Harry highlighted some of these programmes, while speaking at the National Youth Awards recently.

The Youth Empowerment Service (YES) programme is one that is designed to impact youths positively by giving them the opportunity to gain job experience, while alleviating some of their social needs with the financial assistance that they receive.

“We pride ourselves on executing the Youth Empowerment Service programme, which is acclaimed to be the best practised program in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Harry said.

“At present, we have approximately 550 persons who are placed in various government institutions and to a lesser extent in the private sector”.

Currently, males in the communities of Rosebank, Dickson and Enhams are being targeted through the MAP Empowerment training programme. Harry indicated that the main focus is “on bringing the males into a positive frame of mind and to encourage them in positive activities within their communities.

“They are mainly exposed to training in sexual health and other areas of self development. The enthusiasm of these young guys is very high and we are very encouraged at the department,” she said.

Another initiative by the Ministry is the 4H programme, which focuses on the 4Hs; heart, head, hands and health of young persons throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The acting youth officer noted that there are approximately 30 registered groups in the country.

Programmes are even available for students at the primary levels.

“We also have the Seedlings programme, which continues on an annual basis to enlighten the imagination of students of grade five in every school in St Vincent and the Grenadines, led by a visiting group of Canadians who partner with us on an annual basis. The programme touches the lives of thousands of young ones, channelling them in positive living, using Christian principles to guide them along. “ Harry revealed.

“An extended programme, called ‘Light up Your World’, targets form two students of schools mainly on the Leeward side of the island. They receive similar guidance in life skills in this programme”.

Harry also stated that the Ministry is extremely pleased with the interest and support that they receive for all the programmes that they offer to the youths in the country.

“The Youth Affairs division in the Ministry of National Mobilization encourages all young persons to get involved in youth groups that are in your schools, your community, and your church. Be sure that you follow the right path,” she said.