Bridge to the Future Workshop 2025

This week, the Youth Development Programme proudly launched the third annual Bridge to the Future initiative, a key effort aimed at empowering young individuals who are nearing the completion of their secondary education. The event took place at the Princess Margaret Secondary School on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025, where upper and lower fifth-year students gathered in anticipation of new opportunities for personal and professional development.

‘Bridge to the Future’ serves as a vital platform encouraging school leavers to explore various programmes offered by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, as well as other partner organisations, including the esteemed Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology. The initiative not only aims to inform students about available resources, but also inspires them to actively pursue their aspirations beyond secondary school.

During the event, several representatives from various youth-focused programmes addressed the students, detailing the various opportunities that await them. From the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, participants learned about impactful initiatives such as the Block Transformation Unit, which focuses on community development; the Barbados National Youth Parliament, designed to engage youth in governance and civic affairs; the Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps, which provides leadership and developmental skills; and the Digital Media Film Training Programme, aimed at enhancing creative talents in the digital realm.

Ms. Claire Garnes, representing the Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps, shared inspiring insights into the offerings of the two-year programme and the transformative experiences available for the youth. Mr. Marcus Stephen, from the Block Transformation Unit, discussed the team’s efforts in visiting 184 blocks around Barbados and highlighted Project Dawn’s courses, which currently have 272 students enrolled at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute and 80 students at the Barbados Community College Jean Norma Holder Hospitality Institute. Mr. Laron Atherley from the Digital Media Film Training Programme proposed that everyone has a story, during his presentation on the various ways to learn and create through photography and videography. Youth Commissioner, Ms. Mary-Anne Roberts, representing the Barbados National Youth Parliament, spoke about the importance of youth voicing their opinions and engaging in the democratic process, encouraging students to get involved in the programme.

Also addressing the students was Ms. Shawna Carter who provided an overview of the courses available at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, emphasising the skills that students can acquire for successful careers.

‘Bridge to the Future’ was hosted and coordinated by Youth Commissioners Mr. David Brathwaite and Ms. Carolyn Garnes, respectively.