New push to put youth at heart of community change

The Government is exploring a partnership with the Ubuntu Movement that could give young Saint Lucians opportunities to lead community projects, volunteer and contribute to peacebuilding. Discussions have focused on the movement’s Ambassadors of Justice and Peace Programme, which provides young people with training, mentorship and structured opportunities to lead volunteer projects and become positive agents of change in their communities. Boys Training Centre Manager Leana Wallice said the programme could help strengthen volunteerism among young people while creating opportunities for them to make a positive impact in their communities. “We have a situation in Saint Lucia where many of our people do not fully understand the importance of volunteerism,” Wallice said.

She said having Ambassadors for Justice and Peace operating within a structured environment would create opportunities for both the young people involved and those they reach in their communities. “This initiative can help Saint Lucia address many of the challenges we are currently facing,” Wallice added. The discussions also considered how the programme could complement existing government and community initiatives and expand access to structured youth development opportunities. Minister for Equity, Social Justice, Gender and Older Persons Emma Hippolyte said there was a need for stronger partnerships with organisations already working in communities. “We realise that there are a lot of NGOs out there who are doing similar work, and there is need for us to partner with them and to…