Search on for ‘remarkable teens’ 2017 in St Kitts and Nevis

Interviews to identify 2017’s 25 Most Remarkable Teens in St Kitts and Nevis are underway.

The selection process began last week with two sessions, one in Basseterre and the other in Charlestown, said senior youth officer, Sahira David.

The nominees are sharing their story with a three-member panel that is responsible for selecting the most qualified candidates based on a specific criterion

“The process is going smoothly,” said David, noting that she is looking forward to hearing the positive stories of those selected.

The youth official added that it was especially important to highlight such given the recent rash of crimes committed by a few young people.

“The Department of Youth Empowerment’s 25 Most Remarkable Teens programme is one of those initiatives that says ‘hey, they are not all bad,” she added.

David pointed to some of the past profiles, particularly those in the ‘Courage to Overcome’ category, stating that “they are so young and have faced so many adversities and then they pull themselves together and turn into productive, meaningful human beings and that is the kind of development that we look for.”

Access to opportunities

In May the positive contribution of the federation’s youth was captured in the draft Federal Youth Policy.

The document was finalised after public consultation.

According to the St Kitts and Nevis Information Service, the teen recognition programme “fits within the category that deals with youth as agents of change and development, which has youth excellence as a priority.”

The selection panel reconvenes this week to continue interviewing the nominees.

It is made up of an attorney and two retired civil servants, each with a extensive background in youth-related fields.

In keeping with the tradition of having a fair selection, no staff member of the Department of Youth Empowerment sits on the panel.

The interview process is expected to run through the month of July after which the successful candidate will be chosen by the panel.

The 25 young people chosen will then be recognised in the St Kitts and Nevis parliament, and each of the 25 will receive an award during November – observed as Youth Month.

“We want youth to access opportunities and they play such an integral role in community and national development,” Ms. David said, describing the 25 Most Remarkable Teens programme can serve as a doorway to achieve personal goals and aspirations.