A new youth-based initiative in San Fernando aims to equip young people with the tools to succeed.
Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath and Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen joined San Fernando municipal police officers at the launch of the Youth Empowerment Camp at San Fernando Central Secondary School. The programme, which will be hosted by the officers, combines academics, mentorship, and life skills development.
Minister Dowlath said he was elated to support the initiative, as he said it’s a perfect fit with the national education agenda. He praised the initiative for putting youth at the centre, saying too often they feel invisible. He highlighted the involvement of experts in medicine, psychology, and law.
Minister Ameen said such programmes are crucial in breaking the cycle of disempowerment.
“We are at a time in our country when we speak so much of young people and what they are vulnerable to. We speak about gang violence, about criminality, we speak about violence in schools. The UNC government, led by Prime Minister, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has made the UNC manifesto official policy of the government, and it speaks to several initiatives geared towards empowering young people.”
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, urged the young people participating to make good use of what they are expected to learn at the camp.
“Understand that greatness will come for some sooner than others. Do not judge yourself by others’ measurements. Know your worth, believe in yourself. Remember, the destination is great, but the journey is even greater.”