(Basseterre, St. Kitts) – Large countries have advanced and continue to advance at remarkable rates, while some smaller countries are left sauntering behind, wholly relying on the influence of biologically mature individuals to direct the affairs of their countries.
Youth for Change recognizes this and as a result have embarked on a mission to enhance the development of the youths of the federation through empowerment.
Youth for Change (Y4C) is a group of young individuals who as their theme suggests are ‘Empowered through Purpose’.
At the Pam Headquarters on Wednesday, Feb. 6 2008 the “Youth for Change” youth group was officially launched with the election of an executive. Elected were: Kanje Rawlins as President, Yvonne Herbert Vice President, Mandecia Marsham Secretary, Andorosie Batiste Assistant Secretary, Ashurdee Phillip as Treasurer, Toya Adams Assistant treasurer while Dehaan Henry and Al Wilson hold the posts of Public Relations Officers. Latoya Bassue, Ayanna Moses and Tanicia Niles are executive members. The group was launched with some 30 plus registered members.
The groups’ first project began on Wednesday March 5 with the start of a three week “POWER 2 SPEAK” Public Speaking and Interview Skills workshop. Some 40 plus young people participated in the 3 session affair which is being Facilitated by Mr. Selwyn ‘Rusty’ Liburd a locally and regionally known communications, marketing and public relations specialist. The workshop marked the start of many such activities. Y4C is in the process of organizing other activities geared towards youth empowerment and development, such as: A Youth Empowerment rally, monthly news articles, commentaries, a youth fun day, social evening, money management and health and environmental awareness workshops just to mention a few.
The general aim of the group is ‘to be a change agent amongst young persons, as well as to foster the holistic development of youths in order to empower ourselves, our federation and ultimately our world.’ Their aim is supported by these specific objectives:
– Create opportunities for self-empowerment through developmental workshops, environmentally based projects and leadership training.
– Advocate the need for drastic social, political and moral change within our federation, by means of debates, public vocalization, newspaper articles and public commentaries.
– Raise awareness about the significance of youth involvement for the development of our federation and eradication of societal issues by way of producing potential developmental plans and generating ideas that can assist in the reduction of social problems.
The group will hold its first convention sometime in June where speakers from around the region will be invited to give presentations that will be geared towards motivating positive actions among our youths.
