Building Capacity

Building the capacity of youth and community organisations was the focus of the first in what is expected will be a continuing initiative by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment.

The initiative, held under the title “Project F.I.R.M.” (Fortify, Invigorate, Re-Strengthen, Maximize), kicked off on February 18, 2023 with a Youth Development Programme (YDP) coordinated day of interactive sessions. These sessions ranged from ‘Meaningful Youth Leadership and Engagement in a post-Covid-19 Environment’, ‘Organisational Structure/Voting/Committees/Constitution Development’, ‘Capacity Building for Group Executives’, ‘Project and Grant Proposal Writing/Resources available to Youth Organisations’, ‘Fundraising and Mobilizing Resources’ and ‘Team Building and Communication’.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, the Hon. Charles Griffith in his presentation to participants stated that the initiative was about empowering the country, through the forward mobility of youth and community groups. The Minister emphasized the vital role such groups have to play in Barbados and he also encouraged the various groups to make nominations for the National Youth Awards, stating this effort is not about self but about the youngsters who are now coming up. In a question-and-answer session with the various clubs, Minister Griffith declared “it’s a good time to be a young person in Barbados because of the numerous programmes available”.

Also participating in the February 18th event was Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Yolande Howard who affirmed the initiative’s objective to create linkages and reach out for the betterment of Barbados. One of the event’s participants, Caleb Brathwaite expressed his gratitude for the collaborative effort between the Ministry of Youth and the Barbados Youth Development Council to host what he described as a much-needed youth consultation and workshop. Mr. Brathwaite stated: “It is indeed an informative session and I look forward to my fellow youth organisations making noise as stated by Minister of Youth, Minster Griffith for our causes”.