A new multipurpose space, set to be ready in two years, promises to be a “pivotal hub” for youth and community development.
This vision was shared by Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, during the groundbreaking ceremony at London Bourne Towers, Bay Street, St. Michael, for a new resource centre.
The event was attended by key government officials, community members, and young people who witnessed the beginning of a project that will significantly impact their lives. “The resource centre will ensure that we can bring programmes that will provide one, entry-level qualifications for the world of work or two, to allow persons to get involved in self-employment,” Mr. Griffith stated.
The Minister emphasised the importance of providing opportunities for the city’s youth and described the new resource centre, as “another oasis in the city for our young people” which will serve as a satellite location for the Ministry’s wide range of training programmes.
The centre will not only host educational initiatives but will also function as a community hub where residents can access various resources and opportunities.
It was also noted that an initiative to help young people gain tamis numbers and bank accounts, was launched recently at the Valley Resource Centre in St. George, through the Community Development Department. Commending this, Mr. Griffith stated, “We are making sure that we can assist by moving that particular initiative from one community centre to the other community centre.”
The new community centre, at London Bourne, will house offices including social service agencies, six resource rooms with collapsible walls to create larger spaces, a large balcony overlooking the existing hardcourts, changing rooms, built in bleachers, a studio for aspiring musicians and sound technicians, a recreation room inclusive of stage and backstage rooms and two kiosks for vending.
To ensure the centre’s sustained activity, the Ministry has introduced a Centre Management Committee, a community-led body responsible for overseeing operations after official hours. “The Centre Management Committee is being put in place to ensure that members of the community will take responsibility for the centre to allow activities to take place after 4:30,” the Minister explained, as he appealed for community leaders to serve on this committee.
The Minister disclosed that educational support would be a major focus for the new facility and emphasised the importance of study halls and the job readiness programmes. He said: “Study Halls is one of the things that I’m big on, the centre will also offer initiatives to help young people transition into the job market, including training in essential skills like managing finances and setting up bank accounts.”