St Kitts and Nevis: Jonel Powell's six point strategy for youth development

Jonel Powell- Minister of Youth, outlined six new priority initiatives designed to broaden opportunities for youth development in St Kitts and Nevis during the National Assembly's December 16 sitting.

Minister Powell stated during his contribution to the Budget Debate for Fiscal Year 2022 that the Department of Youth Empowerment will push forward the development agenda in the coming year.

The first initiative relates to the SHINE program's implementation. The mentorship programme helps at-risk secondary school students recognise their worth and potential.

The second priority was to hold more frequent broad-based 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 establishing a Career Guidance Counseling Office within the Department of Youth Empowerment, establishing a Youth Media Unit to increase awareness of the department's programming, completing and adopting the Federal Youth Policy and the Strategic Action Plan 2023-2027, and assisting youth groups to implement social intervention programmes within their respective communities.

The impact of these new initiatives will contribute to youth having a more prominent voice in shaping government policies for young people.