Participants of the National Peace Programme’s (NPP) Build Your Own Door Initiative, which was rolled out on Monday, have been encouraged to make the best of the eight-week opportunity to learn various aspects of the entertainment industry.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Attorney General, Hughland Allman, shared this encouragement with six of the seven participants at the recent launch of the initiative, at the Immigration Department’s Conference Room, at BTI’s Corporate Centre, Princess Alice Highway, St Michael.
He lauded the National Peace Programme, describing it as multifaceted, and embracing several areas essential for building the capacity and skills of young people, to empower them.
“We look at . . . the challenges that face our young people, and then create programmes to . . . deal with those challenges. I want to encourage you . . . not only to participate fully in this programme and make it a success, but I want you to encourage somebody else to get involved in these programmes with the NPP . . . . We have a dedicated team [at NPP]. I have been amazed at the number of initiatives that have emerged from the programme,” he said, adding that there has been great interest in them.
Facilitator Ishiaka McNeil said the initiative aims to enhance participants’ abilities and to make them well-rounded.
“Many of our vulnerable and at-risk youth need to have their voices heard while also having that opportunity to be able to express their talents and skills,” he said.
McNeil indicated that mentorship would be an integral part of the journey. “Across the lengths and breadth of Barbados, there are many young people who have the talents, skills, and abilities to pursue various cultural art forms. But, in reality, many tend to get frustrated and deterred from pursuing their passion because, as they would say . . . ‘nobody ain’t want to let we in through de door’, ‘or getting we foot through the door does be difficult’.”
Participants will be exposed to Performance Skills, Performance Ethics, Self-Imaging and Fashion, Music Theory, Personal and Professional Development, Social Media Presence and Music Production.
McNeil explained that the area of music and production would be facilitated by Peter Coppin, who would assist the participants in producing two original songs. At the end of the programme, they will showcase their skills to the public. Additionally, the finished productions will be placed on local radio stations or streamed on musical platforms.
Coppin applauded government, as he expressed his view that the Build Your Own Door Initiative, which is a pilot, will grow and become a template for others to follow.
“This is a beautiful initiative . . . . My involvement is to bring out what exists within you gentlemen already . . . to provide you with the platform to learn, and grow . . . . This programme is almost equivalent to what you will get in a school or university because of the different aspects it involves,” the facilitator told the participants.
“This is to give you the avenue to open your own door and become independent professional music makers and artistes in the business.”
Acting Director of NPP, Alison Roach-Plummer, described the participants as bright, talented, resourceful, and keen. She assured them they had the NPP’s commitment and support.
The Build Your Own Door Initiative is being held three evenings weekly and ends on April 5.
(BGIS)
