Prince’s Trust continues to have positive impact on Barbadian youth

The Prince’s Trust International Team Programme continues to have a positive impact on the lives of Barbadian young people seeking to improve on their personal development.

This was the message shared by Police Sergeant Jamal Mohan during the recent graduation ceremony for the latest cohort of young people who were part of the 12-week Prince’s Trust International Team Programme, based out of Boscobelle Community Centre.

While congratulating the group of 14 graduates for their hard work and dedication during the period, which involved a number of team building activities, community projects, and a two-week job attachment period, Mohan said the initiative continues to serve the youths well.

“The Prince’s Trust International Team Programme can be credited for changing the lives of 404 young persons in Barbados since implementation in 2016. Between June to December 2022, the positive outcome rate stood at 81.8 per cent, with persons obtaining employment, becoming entrepreneurs, or returning to education institutions.”

“The programme is designed to help participants to complete activities to enhance their English and mathematical skills, discover hidden talents and recognise their own strength, boost confidence and motivation, improve personal skills such as communication and teamwork, [and] connect closer with their communities through various projects.”

Sergeant Mohan also thanked several new organisations that came on board to support the students, including; Psychiatric Hospital, Agrofest, Homeomart Barbados, the Student Revolving Loan Fund, Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES), Lifetime Credit Union,Career Development Institute, Caribbean Cuisine Culinary Institute and the Barbados Youth ADVANCE Corps.

He also stressed that the programme should not be seen as being only for deviant persons, but instead it should serve as a fitting platform for persons to use towards greater achievements.

“Any young person whether they have a masters degree, multiple CXCs, technical qualifications or work experience and they have nothing constructive to do with their time, can be at risk and easily led astray.

“This programme is designed to include all young people who have the desire to achieve their full potential.”

Meanwhile, during his brief address, St James North Member of Parliament Edmund Hinkson also expressed his support to this year’s graduating class.