Basseterre, St. Kitts (March 09, 2005): Youth groups in St. Kitts and Nevis are encouraged to reregister with the Department of Youth in order to qualify for project assistance and have a greater role in the national youth development process.
We have embarked on a reregistration drive to get an accurate picture of functioning youth groups in the Federation, Youth Director Geoffrey Hanley told SKNIS. Our current list is outdated as some groups have ceased to function or have not functioned for quite some time. So we need the information in order to adequately plan programmes and develop policy.
The department also requires the information to identify groups that qualify for project funding and can be nominated for awards.
One such recognition programme is the Commonwealth Youth Development Gold and Silver Awards. Regional Director of the Commonwealth Youth Programme Caribbean Centre Armstrong Alexis noted that the award was created to recognize the efforts of young people who make a difference in their community by initiating innovative and sustainable development projects.
The award will be presented to young persons between the ages of 15 to 29 years. Projects will be judged on the basis of the youth involvement in identifying the need for the project and its planning. Implementation and evaluation of the project will also weigh heavily during the selection process.
Up to five Commonwealth Youth Silver Awards will be handed out to Caribbean projects. The award package consists of a £1000 grant, a certificate and medals for up to 20 members of the project team.
The winning project will then be put forward to be considered for the Gold Award. Judging will take place in London by representatives from all Commonwealth governments. Projects that qualify for the Gold Award also receive a further £3000 grant, a trophy and medals.
Director Hanley explained that interested groups should come in to the Youth Department on Church Street as soon as possible to reregister and submit their proposals to be eligible for this process.
Interested clubs must act quickly however as nominations must be received by Wednesday, March 16.
