Relaunching Of The Duke Of Edinburgh Award Prog. & Commonwealth Youth Workers Course
Dozens of young adults from Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Tortola gathered at the Governor's Residence at Beef Island on Thursday October 26th for the relaunching of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme and the launch of the Commonwealth Youth Workers Course.
The BVI received the independent operators license to start the Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme about a year ago. "This is a programme of challenge for young people and it requires them to commit time, talent and effort over a sustained period of time, in some cases six months, in others one year, towards achieving three levels of awards - the bronze award, the silver award and the gold award," explained Programme Chairman Mrs. Celia Georges. The programme was started by the Duke himself many years ago and exists in over 90 countries around the world. In some countries, it is a national programme, but in small states, it is operated by way of license. "But the programmes are the same, the privileges are the same and we cater to young people to developing, aside from their academia, their character and its commits them and teaches them certain values that are necessary to enter the adult world."
She pointed out that one of the highlights of the programme is the section that requires community services. She said the response in Anegada was overwhelming and she came away with 32 names from Virgin Gorda. It has not yet been presented to the British Virgin Islands High School, however, it has also been adopted by several Third Form students. "I'm looking for members of the community, the adults in the community...to help us with these young people," Mrs. Georges solicited. The programme caters to 14-25 year olds. The participants will be exposed to exciting, positive, challenging and enjoyable programmes, while building leadership capabilities and problem solving and critical skills essential for life. A major component relates to sports and recreation. Mr. Armstrong Alexis, Regional Director of the Guyana-based Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP), spoke about the Certificate in Youth in Development Work which is being offered. He said CYP has been pursuing this course for over 20 years. It caters to young persons, youth leaders, youth workers, persons who are interested in working with young people either on a voluntary basis or as part of their profession. Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal remembered when the Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme existed in the BVI. Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering and Mr. Roy Penn of East End were early recipients of the award.
The Chief Minister told the students they need to keep up the enthusiasm in order for the programme to succeed. He said a commitment is needed to continue, when their peers would perhaps be encouraging them to stray. He said young people need role models to help them on their journey. "As a Teacher myself...I do not believe in condemning the children; I believe that there is a place for everyone, but help is needed."
The Chief Minister said no matter how rich a society appears to be, unless the people in the community are prepared to give service to their country, that society stands in danger. "We must be moved with a passion for our society to give community service, to help at all times." He pointed out that community service is especially evident during times of disaster and during adolescence is a good time to make a contribution. He suggested that schemes like these could also help them in their school work and encouraged them not to give up. He recalled promising to provide a Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports. "That has now come through and we have a young, energetic and willing to work, intelligent, the Honourable Andrew Fahie as the Minister...he is eager and anxious to do something for our youth and I know that you can depend on him to look out for your interest." The BVI Leader assured the young people of the government's and the Legislative Council's wholehearted support in helping them to move forward. He congratulated them for joining and wished them very well. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. Bryan Penn read the remarks of Minister the Honourable Andrew Fahie. The Minister reiterated government's commitment to ensuring the development of the youth in the territory.
"To demonstrate the seriousness with which we are approaching this, I am pleased to state again that my Ministry is in the initial stages of the process to ensure that a Department of Youth Affairs and Sports is established," he announced. He said this Department will ensure that there will be a greater concentration on youth affairs, sports and recreation in this territory." Hon. Fahie said as the future leaders of this territory, the youth must be prepared to be able to make sensible decisions in our social, cultural, economic and political affairs. He said the two programmes being launched are well positioned to empower young people to face the challenges of the new millennium. "Embrace this opportunity to get on board and widen your horizons," he challenged, "take advantage of the resources that are available to you now." The Minister said he lends his support to the schemes and would do everything in his power to see that they are sustained and that more youth, especially young men, will become involved.
The official declaration of the relaunching was done by Deputy Governor Mr. Elton Georges. His Excellency Governor Frank Savage did not attend the ceremony, due to illness, but indicated that he was very enthusiastic about the occasion. "He is very much interested in the youth of the BVI and he has proven this on numerous occasions and has helped, for example, to channel funds to the National Parks Trust for a youth group of environmental volunteers to help look after our territory," Mr. Georges stated. He said the Governor will be very keenly following the process of this particular scheme. The Deputy Governor said for his part, he was also very happy to see these programmes being launched. "Anything that engages our youth, challenges our youth or stretches their intellect, helps them to engage in healthy pursuits to develop a sound mind and a sound body, can only be very good for them and for our community and for our future." He said every member of the BVI community must support such a movement in every way. Mr. Georges commended Mrs. Celia Georges for her leadership role and echoed her call for other adults who have time and talents to contribute to volunteer to help with these youth programmes. He said this will be key to the success of the programmes.
"In speaking about the leadership question, we're also very conscious of how important it is that we train and re-train and continue to train youth leaders," the DG stated. He said therefore the CYP certificate course must also be welcomed and supported.