Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 19, 2015 (SKNIS): Minister of Youth, the Hon. Shawn K. Richards discussed key youth related issues with local CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs), Sonia Boddie and Klieon John, who also serves as the regional Dean of CYAs,on Monday (March 16)..
The Minister gained insight into some of the work currently being undertaken by the ambassadors and their upcoming plans for 2015 and beyond. The CYAs are currently planning to mount a youth arts exhibit during the upcoming CARIFTA Games in April to showcase the creativity of the Federation’s youth to the visiting delegations from around the region. Plans are also underway to start what would be known annually as Read Across SKN Day, where young persons will visit primary schools across the country and spend time reading to the students, thereby creating more awareness of the importance of reading and the need for them to continuously sharpen their reading skills. The ambassadors also shared with the minister, their intention to do a Public Service Announcement to address concerns of mental health issues that are affecting the nation’s youth.
Minister Richards praised the ambassadors for their ongoing work and pledged his ministry’s full support to further assist the young ambassadors as they carry out the mandate laid upon them by CARICOM to be advocates for the youth and aid in youth development and empowerment.