Basseterre, St. Kitts, (SKNIS): Youth who improve their communities through voluntary service will be celebrated next week as the Ministry of Youth Empowerment prepares for Global Youth Service Day.
 
The April 23 to 25 observance takes place in 100 countries and is organized for youth to identify and address the needs of their communities; organizations to provide opportunities for youth engagement; and media and policy makers to promote awareness of young people as assets and resources to their communities.
 
Director of Youth Empowerment Geoffrey Hanley told SKNIS that a number of activities have been organized in commemoration of the international event. These begin on Monday, April 19, with a Tag and Beach Clean Up Day. Residents can show support for the observance by purchasing tags from persons around Basseterre. Meanwhile the Ministry’s staff will venture to Cockle Shell Bay to tidy the beach that is a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
 
On Tuesday, April 20, two care hampers will be distributed – one to a resident of the Cardin Home, and the other to a patient at the Joseph N. France General Hospital. Community service continues on Wednesday, April 21, when a public bathroom at St. Johnson’s Village will be given a facelift with a fresh coat of paint. The following day, youth workers will be back on the streets cleaning and decorating a green space on the border of Fortlands and Five Ways in Basseterre. 
 
A march through the streets of the capital on Friday, April 23 and a service at the Zion Moravian Church on Sunday, April 25, will bring the week of activities to a close.
 
Director Hanley issued an open invitation to persons interested in participating in the observance to contact the office of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment at 467-1393.