New programme offers hope to at-risk youth

As Barbados continues to grapple with youth violence and wider social challenges, non-profit Supreme Counselling for Personal Development has launched an intervention aimed at empowering young people and strengthening families.

The Building Hope, Changing Lives programme was officially launched during a welcome and orientation ceremony held at The St Michael School auditorium, Martindale’s Road, on Saturday evening. The event marked the beginning of a five-year journey of mentorship, counselling, life-skills training, and community engagement for a new cohort of participants and their families.

Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Shawn Clarke, pledged his full commitment to the youth, and described the programme as a supportive space that offers stability, belonging, and personal growth.

CEO of Supreme Counselling for Personal Development Shawn Clarke.

Clarke assured the parents and guardians in attendance that the organisation would be with them every step of the way.

“This programme is not an experiment; it is not a performance for applause. Supreme was born out of blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice. We exist because our children deserve more than a life of survival. They deserve a life of purpose, dignity and peace.”

While he acknowledged the challenges ahead, Clarke urged families to stay the course.

“The process will be long, and it will be hard, and sometimes you will feel like giving up. Your child will feel like giving up. Even when it gets hard, stay the course,” he encouraged. “I will walk alongside you when the road is rough. We will cry with you when your heart breaks, and we will celebrate with you when your child reaches heights you never imagined.”

Clarke used the occasion to brush aside the words of critics. He said while others tear down, Supreme Counselling builds, redeems, and shines brighter.

He assured the new cohort that they are valued and supported and emphasised that they are part of a family committed to their growth and success.

“You are no longer just a number in a classroom, or another face in a crowd. You are supreme, you are precious, you are chosen. You are now part of a family that believes in you so deeply that we are willing to fight battles with you and battles for you.”

The Building Hope, Changing Lives programme is the latest initiative from Supreme Counselling, which has spent years tackling behavioural challenges among youth and advocating for greater support for vulnerable families.