CYP head urges youth development plan
Jenny Gabruch
Sunday 5th February, 2006 Posted: 19:40 CIT (00:40 +1 GMT)
Cayman needs a strategic youth development plan in order to streamline programming and provide more effective services for young people.
hat was the main message of Mr. Charles Henry, Regional Director of the Commonwealth Youth Programme’s Caribbean Centre, following a week–long visit to the Cayman Islands where he met with various youth organizations, government officials and agencies.
“I could see an opportunity for Cayman to lead the Caribbean,” he said after a meeting with media representatives Thursday.
Mr. Henry, who concluded his stay here Friday with a visit to Cayman Brac, said a strategic approach is vital for the country to move forward.
“The issue of youth development is critical to national development,” he said.
He praised the work being done by the country‘s faith–based organizations as well as the commitment shown by professionals and volunteers working with young people. But he noted a more coordinated approach between all stakeholders – from government departments to schools to church groups – would improve delivery of youth services and benefit the country.
For example, many schools in the Caribbean region – including Cayman – have instituted zero–tolerance policies to deal with gangs and violence but alternative measures also need to be in place to help stem the problem. He noted the region is lacking in school guidance counsellors to tackle the issue from a prevention standpoint.
Mr. Henry also suggested government look at reorganising structures in place to make the delivery of youth development services more timely and relevant.
He added policymakers need to put actions behind the well–worn words that ‘the youth are the leaders of tomorrow’.
“They are the citizens of today. They have needs and rights as any other citizens – as well as responsibilities.”
Kyle McLean, the CYP’s regional youth caucus representative for the Cayman Islands, said young people also need to take action.
“The youth need to get on board. We need to make sure that we get out there and make our voices heard.”
Katherine Whittaker, Deputy Director of the Department of Youth and Sports, encouraged young people to step forward, noting Mr. Henry’s visit helped spur interest and involvement.
“It has been a very, very productive week indeed.”
Established in 1973, the Commonwealth Youth Programme is an intergovernmental agency set up to address social, educational and economic needs of young people across the Commonwealth.
The CYP Caribbean Centre is headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana.
Jenny Gabruch
Sunday 5th February, 2006 Posted: 19:40 CIT (00:40 +1 GMT)
Cayman needs a strategic youth development plan in order to streamline programming and provide more effective services for young people.
hat was the main message of Mr. Charles Henry, Regional Director of the Commonwealth Youth Programme’s Caribbean Centre, following a week–long visit to the Cayman Islands where he met with various youth organizations, government officials and agencies.
“I could see an opportunity for Cayman to lead the Caribbean,” he said after a meeting with media representatives Thursday.
Mr. Henry, who concluded his stay here Friday with a visit to Cayman Brac, said a strategic approach is vital for the country to move forward.
“The issue of youth development is critical to national development,” he said.
He praised the work being done by the country‘s faith–based organizations as well as the commitment shown by professionals and volunteers working with young people. But he noted a more coordinated approach between all stakeholders – from government departments to schools to church groups – would improve delivery of youth services and benefit the country.
For example, many schools in the Caribbean region – including Cayman – have instituted zero–tolerance policies to deal with gangs and violence but alternative measures also need to be in place to help stem the problem. He noted the region is lacking in school guidance counsellors to tackle the issue from a prevention standpoint.
Mr. Henry also suggested government look at reorganising structures in place to make the delivery of youth development services more timely and relevant.
He added policymakers need to put actions behind the well–worn words that ‘the youth are the leaders of tomorrow’.
“They are the citizens of today. They have needs and rights as any other citizens – as well as responsibilities.”
Kyle McLean, the CYP’s regional youth caucus representative for the Cayman Islands, said young people also need to take action.
“The youth need to get on board. We need to make sure that we get out there and make our voices heard.”
Katherine Whittaker, Deputy Director of the Department of Youth and Sports, encouraged young people to step forward, noting Mr. Henry’s visit helped spur interest and involvement.
“It has been a very, very productive week indeed.”
Established in 1973, the Commonwealth Youth Programme is an intergovernmental agency set up to address social, educational and economic needs of young people across the Commonwealth.
The CYP Caribbean Centre is headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana.
