NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Charles Maynard invited all Bahamians to celebrate the work, accomplishments and talent of youth throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas by taking part in this year’s National Youth Month activities.
“Under the theme ‘Celebrating Youth … Get Involved (242)’, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture in conjunction with youth leaders, will seek through a variety of activities, to highlight, recognise and encourage the contributions of young Bahamians,” Minister Maynard said, at a press conference on September 28.
He added: “During the month of October, we will showcase and celebrate the many positive youth role models and outstanding leaders within our country, while encouraging unattached young men and women to get involved in meaningful programmes and projects in their communities.”
National Youth Month in will commence on Sunday, October 2, at 3 p.m. on Clifford Park with the annual Youth March, Minister Maynard said.
“The march involves a mass gathering of youth, youth leaders, and stakeholders in youth development,” he said. “The purpose of this March is to demonstrate the involvement of youth and to remind us of the hope and the future of our young people. I look forward to sharing with the nation’s youth in this event.”
Minister Maynard said that, on Friday, October 7, there would be a Gospel Jamboree at the Diplomat Centre, Bahamas Faith Ministries, Carmichael Road, beginning at 7 p.m.
“The general public is invited to join as we ask for God’s blessings on the month’s activities,” he said. “Many of our very talented youth and gospel artists will be featured.”
This year, Minister Maynard added, his Ministry will introduce a new initiative termed “Youth in Action Day”, where young people, youth organisations, and community members will perform a makeover to some community parks.
“It is our hope that these parks will be beautified, and enhanced with a youthful touch,” he said.
On the 12th of October, the Ministry, in partnership with BTVI and other business entities, will officially launch another new initiative, Youth Empowerment Day, Minister Maynard continued. That day will expose young people to the many technical training opportunities available to them, he added.
“This will be a day that will stimulate the senses as young people engage in exciting new learning opportunities in the most practical way possible,” he pointed out. “This initiative will seek to attract some 500-plus young people from our high schools.”
Minister Maynard noted that, while his Ministry’s key focus is youth, it is mindful of the importance of training and developing the loyal partners who are responsible for our young people.
“Today, we are again pleased to announce another session of our very successful Youth Leaders Certification Programme, which has been responsible for some 250-plus graduates trained with best practices in youth work and recently expanded into our Family Islands,” he said. “This month we anticipate another 50 youth leaders enrolling in the programme.”
On October 20th, the Ministry looks forward to recognising all outstanding young people in the nation, who have been nominated by their organisation, during our annual Youth Recognition Awards Ceremony, Minister Maynard said. The next day following the recognition ceremonies, on the 21st, the Ministry welcomes young people from around the country to take part in national debate, during the annual National Youth Parliament.
“This year our young people will debate on matters arising from our country’s Constitution,” Minister Maynard said. “The idea of young people engaged in national discussion on relevant issues in the House of Parliament, while other young people are showcased for their accomplishments on a national level, speaks to the very essence of Celebrating Youth.”
Near the end of the month, on October 23rd, National Youth Month participants will worship at New Destiny Baptist Cathedral at 10:00 am. All persons are invited to attend, Minister Maynard said.
“The climax of the month’s activities will be a true sample of youth empowerment, as we highlight the achievement of our Self Starters during our Self Starters Trade Show,” he added. “This promises to be a wonderful exhibition of young Bahamian entrepreneurs.”
Minister Maynard said that as this is a national celebration, a variety of youth parades and youth activities will take place, throughout the islands of The Bahamas, all with an emphasis to “engage our young people and to capture the spirit of this year’s theme ‘Celebrating Youth … Get Involved (242)'”.
“I wish to encourage every parent, every youth leader and every Bahamian across our archipelago to embrace the opportunities to celebrate our youth and get involved,” Minister Maynard said.
“I wish to also take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all youth leaders, parents, family island community leaders and stakeholders in youth development, inclusive of the press for your continuous support and partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, as we fulfil our mandate to bring an innovative approach to training and developing our young Bahamians, while enhancing their life experiences.”
By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
