Young people across the island will be the centre of attention next month when Barbados Youthfest 2023 is held.
Lead organiser Dr Patrick Tannis disclosed on Tuesday that between Sunday, June 25 and Saturday, July 1, the church community will be partnering with government ministries to host the national event aimed at ministering to the nation’s youth.
At a press conference at Sanctuary Empowerment Church, Country Road, St Michael, Tannis said the week of activities would be an opportunity for the youth to be heard and seen through their participation in a series of worship and educational activities.
“We want to know what they are thinking and so, even though you are seeing us here now, this is the press briefing to announce that we are releasing the youth to speak, that we are releasing the youth to be heard, to be seen; they are not going to be quiet during that week,” said the Chancellor of the Barbados College of Biblical Studies.
He said Barbados Youthfest was also partnering with various media entities to feature several prominent Barbadian young people, including UNICEF Youth Advocate Ashley Lashley, throughout the week.
Tannis said he sent correspondence to Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith and Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs Colin Jordan regarding their involvement in the national event.
He disclosed that Barbados Youthfest had also formed a partnership with Minister in the office of the Attorney General with Responsibility for Crime Prevention, and Member of Parliament for The City, Corey Lane.
Member of the Barbados Youthfest Organising Committee, Denese Nichols, said the week of activities was scheduled to begin on Super Sunday, June 25, when churches across the island would be encouraged to host special prayer sessions for children sitting the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination, known as the 11-plus or Common Entrance Exam, two days later.
Nichols said Money Monday will be June 26 to help young people understand how to manage their finances. The following day will be celebrated as Talent Tuesday when young people would be taught how to display and make good use of their talents.
On Wholesome Wednesday, June 28, the intention is to look at the family holistically. Thursday, June 29, and Friday, June 30 will be observed as Glory Days, when young people would be encouraged to gather at the Bay Street Esplanade for Worship on the Beach.
“And Saturday is the last day, but that will be in The City because he who conquers the city conquers the nation. So we want to bring the young people right into The City and worship the King of Kings.
“And it is all for their benefit, which will redound to the benefit of Barbados as a nation and as a society. It is not just about churches or people represented there; it is about what we are doing for prosperity, how are we paying it forward,” Nichols said. (AH)
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