The Division of Youth Affairs’ Youth Development Programme recently teamed up with community volunteer, Paul Harewood of Barber Kuttz Barbershop, to introduce the “Cutting Out Violence” barbering project.
The three-month training programme, which began on Monday, January 17, will expose 10 young men and women aged 16 to 25 from the Pine and Wildey, St. Michael, and Dash Valley, St. George, communities, to the art and skill of barbering.
Youth Development Programme Coordinator for the ‘Cutting Out Violence’ initiative, Adriana Waithe, shared that: “The initiative was designed in such a way that the participants would not only be exposed to barbering but they would also be exposed to life skills.”
She added that the participants completed a one-week developmental workshop prior to the start of the practical programme, covering topics on team building, emotional control, conflict resolution, communication, marketing, personal branding and image, business model canvas, hygiene, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and business registration.
Ms. Waithe pointed out that these topics were selected to ensure that the participants were equipped with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to properly conduct themselves as employees or self-employed individuals, upon completion of the three months practical training course.
“We are of the impression that as we continue to engage the youth in positive programmes and initiatives, they would steer away from acts of crime and violence hence the name “Cutting out Violence”, the Coordinator explained.
Mr. Harewood of Barber Kuttz Barbershop has been voluntarily teaching young persons in the community for several years and expressed his gratitude for being able to work with the Youth Development Programme to strengthen what he has been doing to make a positive impact in his community.
He stated that: “Most people in Barbados will look at the Pine as someplace where there is a lot of crime, a lot of violence and any small part I can play in the community, whether it’s personal development, a skill, I believe it helps people to empower themselves.”
As part of the partnership, Barber Kuttz Barbershop has been retrofitted to accommodate the programme, and recently Mr. Harewood was presented with two chairs, capes, and machines by Principal Youth Development Officer (acting), Andrea Titus; and Senior Youth Commissioner, Elizabeth Bowen, at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment’s office, Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael.
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment