Youth Minister Jonel Powell presented six new priority initiatives designed to expand opportunities for youth development in Saint Kitts and Nevis at the National Assembly sitting on December 16.
Minister Powell said during his contribution to the fiscal year 2022 budget debate that the Department of Youth Empowerment will push the development agenda forward in the coming year.
The first initiative concerns the implementation of the SHINE program. The mentoring program helps at-risk high school students recognize their worth and potential.
The second priority was to hold more frequent broad consultations with the youth population and Minister Powell. This will be done every three months, according to the minister. Other government ministers and, if possible, the entire cabinet, will be invited to participate in the discussions.
Other initiatives identified include the establishment of a career counseling office within the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, the establishment of a youth media unit to increase awareness of ministry programming, completion and adoption of the Federal Youth Policy and the 2023-2027 Strategic Action Plan, and support for youth groups. to implement social intervention programs within their respective communities.
The impact of these new initiatives will help ensure that young people have a greater voice in the development of government policies for young people.
