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| Young people locked in intense discussions. |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (September 04, 2005): Community Resource Mapping was once again the focus of a three-day workshop, which saw the training of over 30 young people at the St. Johnsons Community Centre.
Organized by the Department of Youth, the sessions marked the conclusion of Module 1 of the PANCAP/CYA Mini-Grant Programme, which focuses on HIV/AIDS, and the continuance of the departments Research and Documentation Study that began earlier this year.
The mapping process involved young people going out into the community to assess the needs of their peers and identify gaps. Mapping commercial and residential properties and places frequented by youths as well youth-led and serving organizations were also completed. A map of the target area, Basseterre, was produced. Data was collected on views concerning health and the environment. This covered HIV/AIDS, antisocial behaviour and the closure of the sugar industry.
The Youth Department will be using this information & as it relates to youths, their activities and what we need to do for them and how our programmes can have a greater impact, said Director of Youth Geoffrey Hanley.
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| Youth Director Geoffrey Hanley illustrates on a map. |
The information collected from persons interviewed during the survey was described as valuable. I was very satisfied with the outcome. We got (a lot) of information from those boys who are on the block and they have indicated some of the things they would like to see the youth department do, Hanley added, noting that a suggestion to have dramatic performances to address burning issues was made.
The information will be available for use by other institutions including security agencies, health services, the Planning Unit and the Department of Sport, which is preparing for Cricket World Cup 2007. The public will also have access to the data via request.
Director Hanley expressed gratitude to a number of agencies that supported the September 1 to 3 workshop including the United Nations Childrens Fund, TDC, the United States Peace Corps and others.
The research and documentation study will continue in another community in the coming weeks.
