Core values the key to success

The Rotary Club of Barbados recently held its Graduation and Recognition Ceremony for participants in its Youth Elevation Scheme (YES). The most recent cohort consisted of 39 children and ran for ten Saturdays from Oct 1 to Dec 3, with the theme being Core Values. 

The main objective was to reinforce core values that hold society together, such as a sense of self, honesty, integrity, love, respect, discipline, good manners, caring for others, and responsibility.

In her opening remarks, President Tracey Knight-Lloyd stated, “There is a plethora of empirical data which indicates that positive youth development is directly correlated to targeted youth programmes which can include conflict resolution and violence prevention, bullying prevention, mentoring, after school recreation and sporting activities, community intervention programmes, interpersonal skills training, behavioural programmes and parent training, among others.

The children benefitted from several sessions which covered conflict resolution, teamwork, communication, values and integrity, building confidence, a tour to the Nature Fun Ranch and so much more. 

Minister of State in the Office of the Attorney General with responsibility for Crime Prevention Corey Lane, in his feature address, stated that he could see the power in the programme and its importance to the country at this time.

He further congratulated the Barbados Police Service, the Juvenile Liaison Scheme and Rotary Club of Barbados on their partnership to tackle crime. He stated that to bring about empowerment, everyone must sign up for duty every single day and it cannot be left alone to one entity or one person. Young people must take personal responsibility.

The YES Programme is a collaboration with the Barbados Police Service Juvenile Liaison Scheme and supports at-risk youth. 

Several awards and prizes were also presented to the YES participants, including Most Improved, Outstanding Participant, Excellent Attendance and Punctuality.  (PR)