New project to mentor youth in conflict resolution

With the levels of violence and delinquency rising steadily among young Barbadians, the Royal Barbados Police Force in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Barbados, have launched ‘Project Elevate: Peace Through Service Programme’ in order to better mentor young citizens in the best practices of conflict resolution.

During Saturday’s launch of the project, director of the programme from the Rotary Club, Arlene Ross, told the young participants that while the main objective of the 12-week project is to help them gain conflict resolution skills, the programme will also teach them other important character-building skills.

“While the end result is peace and conflict resolution, we want to do so through building self-esteem, we want to do so through communication because we think communication is key,” Ross said. 

“We are going to work on building self-esteem, improving communication and mind-set … we are here to have fun. Trust me, this is going to be a fun programme, you are not going to be just sitting here with adults talking to you.”

Inspector Roland Cobbler, who is the liaison to the project on behalf of the Royal Barbados Police Force, told the attendees that the force was more than pleased to partner with the club for this important venture.

“In my mind, one of the most significant aspects of the programme, is that it focuses on children between the ages of 11 to 16. Use of violence to resolve conflict, has become commonplace in our society today,” he said. 

“Children and sometimes the educational system are sometimes on forefront of these violent conflicts. Formulating initiatives that reach children, are absolutely necessary if you want to successfully work towards sustainable and long term reconciliation. Preventing violence before it begins, will be the ultimate goal to achieve.”

The project will run from Saturday for the next 12 weeks, and will be hosted at the Police Boys and Girls Club in Bay Street. (SB)