Rotary Clubs establish foundation to assist nation’s youth

By Melissa Bryant
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

~~Adz:Right~~ BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Rotary Clubs of St. Kitts and Nevis have decided to take yet another step towards youth development in the Federation with the planned establishment of an Advancement for Children Foundation (ACF) scheduled for November.

The ACF is a joint project between the Federation’s two Rotary Clubs and is the brainchild of Charles Wilkin of the Kelsick, Wilkin and Ferdinand Law Firm. Its inaugural event is scheduled for November 15th at Brimstone Hill Park.

Chris English, President of Rotary Liamuiga, told SKNVibes that the launching of the ACF is slated for Saturday, November 15 at the Brimstone Hill Park. 

He pointed out that the Foundation was another of the Clubs’ attempts to “try to break the destructive cycle that some of our youth are falling into”.

“Many of our youths feel as though they have no future, that life is not worth living. We hope to change this negative outlook and, by doing so, inhibit the instances of criminal activity.”

The Foundation aims to determine and execute solutions to address pertinent youth and child-related issues including teenage pregnancy, anti-social behaviour, and crime and violence. This will either be in the form of supplementing existing youth programmes or by creating relevant projects where such a gap exists.

According to English, “Most groups begin with immense fervour, but they tend to lose steam because they do not have the support to sustain themselves. The Foundation will offer this support where it is warranted.”

The ACF also seeks to award parents and people in the community who have been active in deterring criminal activity.

“With the current climate in St. Kitts and Nevis, the importance of this project is underscored. It is important that we all do what we can to combat crime and find ways to contribute to the overall solution,” said Leah Sahely, Chairwoman of the Foundation’s Board.

Although the Foundation is a Rotary club initiative, she stressed that “without the support of the community, the government and the various NGOs and youth groups that are out there, the Foundation and its mandate will not succeed”.