ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 8th, 2011 – The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports has ended its seventh consecutive summer of the Youth Service/Vigilant Seafarers Programme successfully.
Youth Officer and Programme Coordinator Mr. Jason Rubaine explained that the programme earned part of its name “Youth Service” because on every sailing trip to the sister islands, a service component is included.
The programme which ran during the summer months of July and August saw a high number of participants that benefited from classes on first aid and life saving techniques, HIV/AIDS awareness, etiquette and table manners, forming healthy relationships, sexuality, health and hygiene, and ways to make wise college and career choices.
Participants also hiked to Sage Mountain, performed environmental clean-ups, toured the islands, received scuba instructions, and participated in ecological and environmental awareness programmes.
“It is one thing for the participants to frolic and have fun; it is another thing for them to have life skills imparted to them. It is a very important thing for them to learn to serve and to give to others. Youth participate in coastal and environmental clean-ups, tree planting, visits to centres for the elderly and the list go on”, he said.
The Programme is also sponsored by The Moorings Limited who makes two catamaran yachts available to the participants weekly to facilitate the sails.
Mr. Clarence Malone, representative for the Moorings agreed that the programme is well structured and provides for exposure of local youth to the Marine Charter Industry. The boat captains play an integral part in the instruction phase by exposing participants to skills and dedication needed to captain a vessel.
One such participant of the programme was Jodi Meyers. Meyers described her time as productive and enjoyable.
“This programme provided opportunities that not only opened my eye, but was also beneficial to my social life. It was a great way to meet new people and also meet up with old friends. I got to travel to other islands in the B.V.I. and spent time there snorkeling, swimming and relaxing.
It’s not only fun and games; I had to do other things such as clean beaches. The Youth Service, in my opinion, was beneficial to many aspects of my life and promises to be beneficial to the life of the youth of the B.V.I.”
The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports also expressed their gratitude to The Moorings for their support for the past seven years.
The Youth Service/Vigilant Seafarers began in 2004. The first segment of the programme ran from July 11-29 while the second segment ran from August 11-26.
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