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Youth Work Consultations held in Grenada |
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The Commonwealth Youth Programme Caribbean Centre (CYPCC) Programme facilitated a one-day National Consultations on the development of Competency Standards for Youth Work with a cross-section of stakeholders on June 26 at the Red Cross Conference Room in Grenada. A request was also made for assistance from CYPCC, by one of the stakeholders present at the consultations, in the development of a National Parenting Programme.
Stakeholders were drawn from the Ministries of Social Development, Youth, Finance, Labour, Tourism, Health, Human Resource, Sports, Agriculture and Community Development, the Community College and the National Youth Council.
The session, which interrogated the Competency Standards, was facilitated by CYPCC's Programme Manager for Youth Work Education and Training, Ms Glenyss James.
The Hon. Ms Emmalin Pierre, Minister of Youth Development of Grenada in her remarks at the consultations said, "Today I am extremely happy that this Consultation on Competency Standards for Youth Workers is taking place in Grenada like other Commonwealth Caribbean countries. We here in Grenada are deeply committed to this new thrust by the Commonwealth Youth Programme to professionalise youth work in the Caribbean".
She added that "the Department of Youth Development has long recognized the need to equip all youth workers, not only those in the youth department but those in various institutions throughout the island such as those in schools, churches and community organizations with the necessary skills so that along with stakeholders we can raise the "bar" where youth work is concerned".
According to her, the challenges and issues affecting youth today call for strong, capable, committed and dynamic youth workers who are prepared to go far beyond the call of duty. "We are more than willing to help formulate assessment criteria inclusive of the knowledge and skills essential to this area of work," Ministers Pierre said.
"It is very clear to us that if we are to make a real difference in the delivery of youth development work, all youth workers in Grenada must be trained. That training must be relevant, accessible and affordable to all concerned and must offer opportunities for growth and development for all those who engage in youth work," pointed out.
Mr. Cecil Greenidge, Director of Youth of Grenada in his remarks during the opening ceremony congratulated CYPCC for the bold initiative to spearhead the development of competency standards for youth development work.
Recognising that CYP has played a lead role in the development of youth work in the region, Mr. Greenidge expressed his gratitude for the training opportunities the Centre has provided to youth workers in the region and looked forward to the provision of further training in the near future.
After the consultations a press conference was hosted at the same venue by Minister Pierre where she informed the media of her initiative to meet with different groups of young people including marginalised youth on the 'blocks' to ascertain issues of relevance to them.. She emphasized the need to listen and understand their issues and why they behave the way they do.
She also pointed out that in some cases greater family guidance was urgently needed. While in other instances despite parents were providing the necessary support, some young people were bowing to negative peer pressure.
A request was also made for assistance from CYPCC, by one of the stakeholders present at the consultations, in the development of a National Parenting Programme. |
