St. Kitts – Nevis – Youth Director – Geoffrey Hanley
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
May 30, 2008 (SKNIS)
Youth groups in St. Kitts and Nevis will soon be able to access a “road map” to the successful functioning and sustainability of social clubs.
Director of Youth Geoffrey Hanley told SKNIS that “in a few weeks, the Youth Department will be making available to the public, a manual that can assist groups in their formation and function.”
Topics to be covered in this document include how to write a constitution, the role of executive members, ideas for fundraisers and how to write a project proposal.
In highlighting the importance of grant writing, Hanley stressed that there are significant sums of money made available by local and international agencies, that can be accessed by groups, to implement projects in a number of areas including HIV/AIDS as well as the environment.
“We are trying to equip our youth organizations [with the skills] to write grants so they can get monies that can better serve their group and also their community,” he explained.
Director Hanley added that the efforts of his Ministry will be boosted by the arrival of a team of volunteers from the United States Peace Corps. The new group expected in August this year, will contain a number of experienced youth development workers, who will be strategically placed in order to strengthen the capacity of community groups. Both agencies partner closely.
Another area where collaboration is evident is the “After School Programme” of the Department of Youth. This initiative is designed to educate school leavers on ways to make themselves attractive to prospective employers. As such, classes on job interviews, etiquette and social skills are offered to the graduating students. Another component of the programme caters to those who wish to become self employed. Art and Craft training are among subjects covered for interested individuals.
“We are working overtime “¦ to get our After School Programme [finalized] in terms of delivery,” Director Hanley stated. “The Youth Department is partnering with a number of agencies to ensure that the young people of St. Kitts and Nevis take advantage of the opportunities available to them so that we can empower them to be their own bosses, empower them to be leaders of today and empower them in being community change agents.”