Youth Director Geoffrey Hanley
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
March 05, 2014 (SKNIS)
The recent 38th Graduation Ceremony of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force was a memorable moment for the agency, friends and family of the graduands, but also the staff at the Department of Youth Empowerment.
Four of the young men who graduated and six members of the Police Junior Drum Corps that led the recruits onto the Parade Square, were the beneficiaries of various developmental programmes organized by the Department including the annual Summer Residential Camp and the 25 Most Remarkable Teens initiative.
“It was a proud moment,” Director of Youth Empowerment Geoffrey Hanley told SKNIS after the event. “It shows a connection with the programmes that our ministry is delivering to our young people as they move from stage to stage in their lives. It is very gratifying.”
Discipline, conflict resolution and working within a team are some essential elements of the training that the youths would have been exposed to through the various programmes. These skills undoubtedly proved useful as they are among the top requirements needed to be successful in any military or law enforcement agency.
“We will continue to roll out various interventions to positively impact our youth population and will tailor them to ensure that we reach as many persons as possible,” Director Hanley added.
The Department of Youth Empowerment has also been working to strengthen groups and individuals around the country to better serve their respective communities. A recent workshop called “Empowered Youth Leaders” was held to enhance the capacity of groups in identifying and addressing issues and concerns affecting young people. Additionally, a hand book on guidelines for clubs is being refined and the latest incarnation of the draft Federal Youth Policy is being reviewed by senior government officials in order to finalize it before introduction to Parliament.