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| Director of Youth Geoffrey Hanley |
Basseterre, St. Kitts October 08, 2004): The Department of Youth in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sport will continue its developmental programmes under the direction of the newly appointed Director of Youth Geoffrey Hanley.
In an interview with SKNIS, Hanley said he is passionate about the opportunity to help young people and is pleased to be in a position to tap government resources in doing so.
"I know it is a job that comes with challenges and ... I am looking forward to working with youth groups and youths in this nation," he revealed. Hanley cited his strong religious beliefs and the competency of his staff as being among the chief reasons why he believes his tenure will be successful.
Experience and understanding is key in this position and Mr. Hanley’s past involvement in youth-related activities will serve him well. His first exposure to a youth group happened in 1984 while he was a young man living in Newtown.
"I joined the St. Georges Anglican Scouts," he explained adding that the experience changed the course of his life and helped to ensure his positive development through the terrible teens. "My public-speaking skills were sharpened (along with) my inter-personal relationship with persons."
The youth activist went on to serve in other clubs including the Anglican Young People’s Association (AYPA) and the Coca Cola Shamrock Netball Club. He also was the founder of the Basseterre Leo Club.
His public service began in 1990 when he became a teacher at the Academy Primary School. He decided to upgrade his teaching techniques by attending the Teacher’s College, graduating in 1995. He was then assigned to the Irishtown Primary School and later transferred to the then Youth and Community Department in 1998 where he functioned as the head.
Hanley’s responsibilities included formulating community and nationally-based programmes for young people. A survey and accompanying island tour gave the staff ideas on what youths desires were. "We always made sure that we got ... young people together to find out what they were thinking and how we can address the problems," he disclosed. The department then went on to work organising consultations and workshops.
Hanley, left the civil service in 2001 to pursue his studies at the Florida Memorial College in the United States where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in clinical and community psychology with concentration being placed on social work and juveniles. He then moved on to Connecticut, USA, where he gained a Master’s Degree at the School of Education and Human Resource of the University of Bridgeport.
The new youth director expects his experience at college to serve him well in this capacity. He indicated that his department remains very active and plans to host a Business Lab Exercise on Monday, October 18. The goal of this initiative is to develop entrepreneurial skills among young people.
"If we train persons (to) start their own business then we will be helping them and they in turn will help others (by) employing one or two other persons," Mr. Hanley stressed. Persons who start businesses will be able to receive help from resource personnel to ensure the survival of the business. "I am urging young people to seize the opportunity that is available to them and let us know what you are thinking and what are some of the programmes you would like to see done," he added.
The interview with Youth Director Geoffrey Hanley can be heard on In Touch on ZIZ Radio on Tuesday, October 12 at 6:00 p.m.
