Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 15, 2009 (SKNIS): The Department of Youth honoured young advocates on Wednesday, for promoting positive behavior among their peers.
The primary and high school students participated in a peace poster competition, while primary students contested an HIV/AIDS quiz competition organized by the Government department earlier this year.
Director of Youth, Geoffrey Hanley, said it was important to have these activities, which raised awareness about two critical issues that affect young people.
He noted that there are some individuals that expressed concern that the terms and practices related to HIV/AIDS were being highlighted to primary school students. While being sensitive to their opinions, Mr. Hanley explained that the Department of Youth believes early awareness is key to developing a well-rounded individual who can resist negative influences and promote behavioural change.
The Peace Poster Competition was divided into a primary school and high school category. The winning designs were submitted by Kewana Browne of the Dieppe Bay Primary School, and Valencia Pemberton of the Sandy Point High School. Sandy Point Primary was again represented in the winner’s circle when recognition of the HIV/AIDS quiz champions Jeneicia Williams and Joshan Bassue was given.
The students were also encouraged to continue sharing the information they learnt.
“Use it as a means of ensuring that you live up to certain principles,” Mr. Hanley stressed. “And if you can (resolve) that every day, you will remind someone … please do not get yourself caught up in any gangs, or anything that is wrong you will be doing a very good job.”
Students received an array of participation tokens including plaques, USB flash drives and gift vouchers. The quiz champions earned laptops, while the poster winners were presented with iPods. The winners were equally delighted to learn that their designs will be made into stamps to be issued by the General Post Office.
Director Hanley thanked the teachers for assisting the students in the various competitions and he saluted the National AIDS Secretariat for its continued partnership in youth-related activities.
