Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 08, 2010 (SKNIS): The Regional Integration Movement has launched a strategic, youth-centered, awareness programme in an effort to sensitize this segment of the society on how the CSME will work and its benefits to them.
 
Teachers and students of high schools in St. Kitts and Nevis are participating in the workshop which forms part of the Regional Caribbean Integration Support Programme which deals with strengthening the Regional Integration System.
 
CSME Focal Point in the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Samuel Berridge said the purpose of the workshop is to promote stakeholder buy-in, as well as stimulate and encourage active participation by executing a comprehensive public relations programme.
 
“It is recognized that while the upcoming generation will play a major role in the success of the regional integration movement, a survey of attitudes indicated that only a small percentage of teachers and students really understand what the CSME means and its implications for their future lives and work,” said Mr. Berridge.       
     
He added that the project serves to focus on building awareness of the regional integration issues and opportunities for young people between the ages of 14 and 19 who are still within the formal education system.
 
Participants will be expected to provide valuable input in the development of materials and approaches to integrate CSME issues and concepts into the curriculum for senior secondary students. They will also recommend approaches for generating interest among their peers and teachers.
 
Another objective is to determine the knowledge and attitudes of teachers and guidance counselors to the Regional Integration Movement.
 
Six CARICOM Countries including the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis have been chosen as pilot locations for this project. Additionally within those six countries, three to six pilot schools have been identified.