BVI Initiatives Youth Path Project for Disadvantaged Youth

Minister of Education and Culture Hon. Andrew Fahie (middle) accompanied by officials of the Ministry of Education and the Department of Social Development and the Youth PATH Project participants.  (Mr. Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)

The project aims at providing disadvantaged youth (especially out of school youth) with opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge which will enable them to establish businesses and improve their livelihoods while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of their communities.

A total of 12 youth will participate in this programme under the theme “Youth in Action”.  Participants attended a two-day Youth PATH Training and Life Skills Sessions from November 25-26 as part of this initiative.  During the training session, which was the first part of this initiative, the youth had the opportunity to discuss areas such as team building, personal hygiene, drug awareness; crime and violence; cultural and heritage preservation and HIV/AIDS awareness.

The second part of this initiative is more hands-on and will focus on the natural and cultural preservation aspects, site assessment and mobilisation of the project.  On November 27 and 28 participants visited the Bregado Flax Education Centre on Virgin Gorda and the Claudia Creque Educational Centre on Anegada where historical information about persons for whom the schools were named will be showcased on concrete slabs to be erected by the participating youth. ~~Adz:Right~~

Minister for Education and Culture the Honourable Andrew Fahie said at the opening of the training session that he fully supports this worthwhile initiative.  “The Ministry of Education and Culture supports and applauds this initiative which aims to also improve the tourist product of the area and train youths in sustainable cultural/natural heritage preservation, innovative tourism business initiatives and life skills training,” he said.

Permanent Secretary Mrs. Sheila Brathwaite said the ministry is pleased to provide the young people with this opportunity.  “The Ministry of Education in conjunction with UNESCO through the Youth PATH project is pleased to provide our young people with an opportunity to assist them in developing skills vital for self-development and to provide a base of employment for improving their livelihood,” she said.

Mrs. Brathwaite added, “This project is an excellent initiative, as it educates our children and tourists about the education stalwarts of the BVI and their contribution to the field of education, while at the same time it helps to preserve a vital part of our heritage and culture.”

The activities for the Youth PATH Project will take place over a period of 12 months.  The project is being sponsored by UNESCO and the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The BVI became an associate member of UNESCO in 1984.  The main purpose of UNESCO is to promote peace and security by collaborating through education, science, culture and communication and information. For more information about the programme, contact the BVI National Commission for UNESCO at 494-7739 or 494-7740.