Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Culture & Sports
[PHOTO PENDING]
Hon. Patrick Simmons
Strategic areas 2007
- Economic and Social Development
- Information and Public Relations
- Staff Development and Training
- Annual Activities and Special Events
Economic and social development
This project will provide training and employment opportunities for young people in every parish. This will be achieved through the following components:
Imani
The Programme this year will target two specific groups.
On the Job Trainees
All other young persons aged 15 –35
Participants in the On the Job Training will be engaged in a programme aimed at their holistic development. This will include service at the community level, on-the-job training, skills training, spiritual, personal and academic development.
These participants along with all other persons aged 15-35 will also benefit from the establishment of Centers for Excellence in each parish. These centres will operate from Mondays to Fridays 4.30pm to 6.30pm and on Saturdays from 10.00am to 5.00pm.These Centers will facilitate the following programmes:
See how the IMANI programme helped Ms. Collette Jeffery [DOWNLOAD]
Young Parents Support Programme
Young mothers and fathers from each parish will continue to be engaged in a programme involving: educational classes, skills training, spiritual and personal development sessions as well as child development classes.
Grenada Youth Enterprise Initiative
Young people will be trained in small business development and management. Business plans will be reviewed and projects will be funded at $15,000.00 maximum per loan.
Youth Mentorship Programme
Participants of this programme will be involved in peer education promoting high spiritual and moral values.
Information and Employment Desk
This desk will collect information for the establishment and maintenance of a national youth employment database registering every unemployed youth, and will offer the following services: Short term training for young persons, recruitment and placement of unemployed youth, counseling and information services. Participants will also benefit from the establishment of a telephone counseling and information hotline.
Youth Pulse
Weekly Saturday /Sunday meetings will take place at various locations around the island. Focus will be on fostering positive socialization among young people. Activities will include music, dance, sports, debating culture as well as positive discussion on issues related to youth development.
National Youth Ambassador Programme
Young people involved in this programme will be trained to represent their peers at various levels and to advise the Minister on matters relating to youth development. They will also be actively involved in the programmes of the Department of Youth.
Stake Holders Network
The Department will seek to foster a closer working relationship with identified stakeholders and where possible will offer support for the implementation of their programmes and activities that are geared toward achieving the objectives of the National Youth Policy.
NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY
To implement phase one of the work plan of the National Youth Policy.
Positive Vibes
Song writers, singers and Disc Jockeys will also be encouraged to use their medium to promote and encourage morally sound lifestyles among young people. Incentives will be provided.
Strengthening Youth Groups
Assessment and training will continue for all registered groups. Groups will be engaged in community development initiatives fostering volunteerism, community service and national pride. The National Youth Directory will be updated.
Youth Database
To conduct a baseline study of youth in Grenada.
Youth Rehabilitation Programme
This programme will provide an opportunity for the rehabilitation of young persons who are at risk of becoming and those who have come into conflict with the law. The Programme will be comprised of the following components:
Residential Programme
A residential facility will be constructed in Bacolet St. Andrew for the rehabilitation of young offenders. These persons will be engaged in a wide range of activities geared toward their holistic development. These will include academics, sports, skills training, spiritual and personal development. A pilot project under this programme is currently being implemented.
Students at Risk Programme
Students at Primary and secondary schools who have been identified by their teachers as students at risk will be enrolled in this programme. The programme will be aimed at fostering healthy life styles positive values and attitudes. Activities will include: academics, sports, drills, skills training, spiritual and personal development.
Youth in Prison Programme
A targeted group of young men will be involved in a programme which will provide mentorship, skills training, spiritual and personal development. Participants will be assisted to develop a 5 year life plan and will be supported to achieve their goals. Participants will be given additional support on release.
Delinquent Groups and Individuals Programme
The Department will continue to work along with delinquent groups providing them with opportunities to make positive lifestyle changes. Continued efforts will also be made to resolve conflict with rival groups. Under this programme the Department also seeks to work separately with individuals who fall under this category.
Youth Information Booklet
This booklet will contain information on services offered to young people by government and NGO’s. It also includes statistics on: HIV/AIDS, drugs, crime, teenaged pregnancy, unemployment, education etc.
National Skills Training Programme
In collaboration with the World Bank and other local stakeholders Government will establish a National Skills Training Programme. This will be aimed at equipping our young people with a wide range of skills based on the demands of the job market. Certificates will be awarded to successful participants and will be accredited by recognized local and regional institutions.
Youth Parliament / Debates
The National Youth Parliament will be a medium for youth education on a wide range of issues. The Parish Parliament will meet twice per year. The National Parliament will meet quarterly. A number of Debates will be held in schools and communities throughout the year.
Information & public relations
Public Relation and Information
A wide range of strategies will be used to achieve the PR Plan. This plan is aimed at disseminating information to the general public and educating young people, on matters related to their development. This will be done by means of: Press Releases, Documentaries, Bulletins, Billboards, packaged Radio and TV Programmes, Infomercials, Magazines, Brochures, Newsletters. Parish PR Officers will be appointed to assist in this area.
Community Meetings and Discussions
This programme takes the Minister of Youth and a team to meet weekly with students, members of communities in each constituency, youth on the block and stakeholders including teachers, police officers etc.
The focus will be on discussing issues related to youth development, informing young people of government's programmes and motivating them to play an active role in youth development. Employment generating projects will be developed. 50 such projects will be funded with grants of $5,000.00 maximum per project.
Staff development and support
Young people at the constituency/parish level will be recruited to support and assist with the implementation of the programmes at the community level. The objective will be to provide an opportunity for them to develop their skills and qualification as youth workers. A structured training programme aimed at the academic improvement of staff will be organized. The Department in collaboration with the Commonwealth Youth Programme will offer a certificate and diploma course in youth work. A special incentives programme will also be implemented. Successful persons under this programme will be considered for appointment on the Un-established or established Staff of the Youth Department.
SPECIAL EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
Commonwealth Day
A Commonwealth Day Programme will be held showcasing the flag, culture, national wear and national dish of each country. Young people will participate in a National Essay Competition. Commonwealth Day 2007 will be celebrated on Monday 12th March.
Youth Month (July 2007)
Young people will be engaged in a month of activities aimed at promoting positive values and attitudes .The activities will include a Church Service, Student Holiday Programme. Parish Activities (Sports, Debates, Culture, Quiz, Community Development Activities), Panel Discussion, Award Ceremony. and a National Youth Rally and Concert .
National Youth Service Day
Four (4) days will be observed as National Youth Service Day in the months of March, June, September and November. Youth organizations and individuals will be mobilized to implement community development projects/activities.
Office of the Prime Minister
Ministerial Complex
6th Floor
Botanical Gardens
Tanteen, St. George's
Tel: (473) 440-2255 / 2265
Fax: (473) 440-4116
E-Mail: pmsec@spiceisle.com | pmsec@gov.gd
