Strengthening Youth Development In The Caribbean

Armstrong Alexis, Regional Director of the CYP Caribbean Centre

The Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Diploma in Youth in Development is increasing and strengthening its outreach in the Caribbean through distance learning. In recent weeks, several countries and territories in the region have launched a new cycle of the Diploma programme.

The CYP Caribbean Centre, in association with the University of the West Indies (UWI), inaugurated the second cycle of the Diploma in Youth in Development on 1 June 2004. A total of 215 youth workers from 11 Commonwealth Caribbean countries and territories registered for the training programme.

The Ministry of Community Services, Youth and Gender Affairs of Cayman Islands launched the diploma on 7 July 2004. Minister of Community Services Dr Frank McField addressed the function at Truman Bodden Sports Complex in Grand Cayman.

The Cayman Islands launch follows the diploma's inauguration in several other Caribbean countries and territories. The British Virgin Islands and Barbados recently held official ceremonies to mark the launch of the second cycle of this diploma.

In Barbados, Cynthia Forde, Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, was the key speaker at the opening ceremony held there.

Commenting on the more than 20 youth officers of the Ministry who have embarked on the training programme designed for their line of work, she said: "That is significant enough in terms of the potential impact of this training on the work of the Youth Commissioners."

She noted that the Youth Commissioners will be joined by a number of other professionals and volunteers including police officers working in the Juvenile Liaison Scheme, leaders of youth groups at the community level and youth leaders from the Church.

The Minister applauded the CYP's role in establishing youth work as a separate and distinct discipline and as a profession.

The launch in the British Virgin Islands on 4 June, in conjunction with the UWI School of Continuing Studies, came soon after the inauguration of a new Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Eighteen students have registered for the Diploma in the British Virgin Islands. Marcia Potter, Acting Resident Tutor and head of the University Centre, said: "The 13 modules to be completed over the next two years are full of information and skills to help youth workers acquire all the competencies needed to return to their organisations equipped to work with young people in a variety of settings."

She noted that the programme is timely as the British Virgin Islands, like many other countries, is focusing on young people and the need for formal training in youth development.

"We must endeavour to make our youth independent thinkers, productive citizens and future leaders capable of taking on the diverse and complex nature of our societies," Ms Potter emphasised.

Armstrong Alexis, Regional Director of the CYP Caribbean Centre, said: "Through the Diploma programme, CYP is able to develop and promote a professional youth service which is effective in working with young people and reflects fundamental Commonwealth values."

The CYP Diploma in Youth in Development operates on a pan-Commonwealth basis and is currently delivered by 26 tertiary institutions to some 2,000 youth workers from more than 40 Commonwealth countries and territories.

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 191        7 July 2004