100 enrolled in Govt’s peace programme

By Jenique Belgrave

One hundred of this island’s most at-risk youth are now on an eight-week personal development journey towards becoming change agents.

Speaking to the media at the launch of the National Peace Program’s ‘Flip Yah Script’ initiative at the Accra Beach Hotel, Minister of State in the Office of Attorney General with responsibility for Crime Prevention, Corey Lane said the youth will be given lessons in areas of etiquette, personal development, financial management, and more.

“From there, we want to have them as agents of peace within their community, starting adventure clubs, starting training within their communities, giving them opportunities here and across the world.

“When we look at crime prevention, when we look at at-risk youth, a lot of the times, what do we do? We lock them up. Is that the solution? No. We’ve got to prevent it. So we are going to them now, and we are looking to give them these 180 programs where we can encourage them and give them the opportunity to turn their life around,” he said.

Lane said that in addition, the youth will be provided with life coaches to seek guidance from.

“Too often, they have people to turn to, but there are the persons who are getting them involved in drugs and crime. What we are doing is flipping the script where we are giving them some positive outlets, positive individuals and positive activities to be a part of,” the minister added.

The MP for the City said that a national database of youth involvement was being created with this and other programs sponsored by the Attorney General’s office to facilitate monitoring and evaluation.

“We are working with them now forever. They become part and parcel of the National Peace program,” he said.

During his presentation to the gathered youth, Inspire Leadership Solutions Leadership Trainer Imran Richards reminded them that regardless of the circumstances into which they were born, their future was determined by their own choices.

Speaking on his own experiences, including that of growing up poor and having close relatives who were drug addicts, he outlined that through hard work and the belief to be better, another path opened up for him.

Lane also warned them against listening to those who spoke negatively about their dreams, encouraging them to “Raise the rent and kick them out of your head.”

jeniquebelgrave@barbadostoday.bb