CHARLESTOWN, Nevis, Aug. 13.2018 - MINISTER of Youth in the Nevis Island Administration, Hon. Eric Evelyn says that the government has been providing a safe space for youths on Nevis.
Evelyn, while delivering an address to recognize Sunday (Aug. 12) International Youth Day, which was observed under the theme “Safe Spaces for Youth”, said this demonstrates that young people in St. Kitts and Nevis are no different from their global counterparts and that even at the international level, the importance of safe spaces have been recognized.
The Minister pointed to the various safe spaces that will assist in nurturing the young people both in the federation and internationally.
He explained that the civic safe spaces allow young people to participate in issues related to governance and to act as advocates for youth issues. Public safe spaces allow young people to participate in sports and other leisure activities within their communities, while the digital safe spaces allow for young people to interact virtually on a local, regional or international platform.
In the realm of the physical safe spaces, Evelyn said this ensure provisions for young people who are vulnerable and make accommodations which reflect their needs.
“As we look at the concept of safe spaces, we think of some of the areas in which we, as an island, provide safe spaces for our young people. We look at our sporting and performing arts facilities which are stellar public safe spaces, allowing our young people to explore their interests in a non-threatening environment.
“We look at our civic safe spaces such as the ‘Youth Talks’ which give young people the opportunity to express themselves and to share their views on certain matters. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming Independence Youth Talk Forum which is being organized in observance of our 35th Anniversary of Independence.”
The Minister elaborated on what has been provided over the years, Evelyn reminded that they have catered for after-school programming for young people, while providing various camps.
“It is important for us to recognize that in order to maximize on our safe spaces, we must properly prepare persons who may function within the various safe spaces. As such, in observance of International Youth Day 2018, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the Crime, Family and Youth Resilience Programme, will be hosting a two-day Social Crime Prevention Training for Community Youth on August 13th and 14th at the Albertha Payne Community Center. .
“The workshop will see 25 young persons who will have to interact with and lead other young people in various safe spaces being trained in Social Crime Prevention. While the international theme is "Safe Spaces for Youth," our local theme is "Going Higher Places: We're Creating Safe Places," the Minister added.
Meanwhile, it was disclosed that in the near future, additional training will be given to other persons who work with young people to provide them with this very essential information.
