BYDC, Youth Ambassador programme get fresh spaces ‘to boost development’

The Ministry of Youth has launched newly redesigned spaces at its headquarters to create a hub for youth engagement and development.

The revamped areas at Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall are to serve as bases for the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC) and the CARICOM Youth Ambassador programme.

The redesign is part of broader efforts to cultivate a supportive environment for Barbadian youth with Minister of Youth Charles Griffith disclosing that the youth groups will be given responsibility for guiding 100 new youth groups soon to be launched.

“Government is cognisant of the need to have our young people engaged so the space that we are having here this morning is important for the group to have a home.”

He added: “It’s just to re-energise the ministry to have staff feel, you know, that energy that is coming from our young people,” he said, highlighting the importance of creating spaces that align with the “aspirations, energy, and potential” of the youth.

The minister elaborated on the vision behind the changes: “What we have done here today is to rebrand in a way in terms of when persons enter the ministry, what they see, and what they feel. Because it is important when young people come in that they know that they’re welcome in a space that is about developing them.”

New signage and other elements have been introduced to create an immediate sense of purpose and belonging. Griffith noted the achievements of young Barbadians who have benefited from the ministry’s training programmes. 

“There’s so many young people that are doing good on the island. And we have used the facilities here to stage a lot of training programmes,” he said.

The integration of the BYDC and the CARICOM Youth Ambassador programme into these spaces is particularly noteworthy. 

“To have the BYDC housed here as well is important. Because what it is saying to them is that they can easily have access to information that can benefit the people that they’re supposed to empower as well,” Griffith emphasised.

Dana Brome, Barbados’ alternate CARICOM Youth Ambassador, expressed enthusiasm for the new space, noting that it will facilitate the execution of various programmes. 

“We do so many different projects. We meet with youth personnel to see what it is that they want to do within the community. Once we figure out what they want to do and what we can do, we merge that together,” Brome said.

BYDC President Caleb Brathwaite welcomed the development, noting its timeliness as the organisation celebrates 55 years of existence. 

“It comes at a time during which BYDC is celebrating 55 years, as the oldest national youth council in the region and the fourth oldest in the world,” Brathwaite said.

Expressing gratitude for the minister’s support in securing a dedicated space for the BYDC, he said: “I’m grateful that this minister . . . listened to us and ensured that we have a home, and so that we can collectively work together to advance youth development.”

(RG)