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| Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley. (FP) ?? |
Government is set to launch, within three weeks, one of several strategies which will be used to counteract crime and deviance in Barbados.
This disclosure has come from Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, whose Ministry is spearheading the initiative – Endless Possibilities – A Job Attachment and Mentorship Programme.
Mr. Lashley explained that 35 young people would benefit from the pilot phase of the five-month programme, aimed at empowering at risk, unattached and unemployed young people between the ages of 16 and 24.
He said: "They will be given an opportunity to get valuable work experience, develop skills and the right type of work ethics, as well as obtain necessary employment.
"The Ministry has also obtained the buy-in of the Barbados Small Business Association to participate in the programme and key business persons have agreed to serve as mentors."
He surmised that since there would be private sector involvement in the project, government would be able to develop better partnerships with that group, organisations within civil society, as well as the international community.
Mr. Lashley outlined the expected outcomes of the programme as including "a reduction in poverty, an increase in employment, young people becoming empowered to fully contribute to their society and enhanced collaboration among agencies".
There will be constant monitoring and evaluation of the programme during its life span to ensure it remains beneficial to the youth.