Youth Encouraged to ‘Make A Difference’

The third consecutive workshop, entitled, “making a Difference,” was held on 19th to 23rd December 2005, in the community of Coolie Town, Marigot, quarter of Castries. This workshop was held in response to the concerns and complaints of parents with respect to the conduct of youth, particularly when they leave at the end of the school day.

The workshop focused on topics such as:

• assertiveness training
• solid waste management
• youth empowerment
• self esteem
• drug abuse prevention
• conflict mediation.

The workshop was conducted by various speakers. Cpl. Sylvester Joseph, who spoke on Assertiveness, was the first speaker.

(CPL 224 Joseph below, delivering a lecture on Assertiveness)

Participants were taught how to effectively express themselves in a manner reflective of mutual respect and open communication. They also learnt how to distinguish between assertive, non-assertive and aggressive behaviour and to identify barriers to assertiveness.

(CPL 224 Joseph below, speaking with the youth at the workshop)

The second speaker, Gem Hutchinson, eruditely conducted a presentation on Solid Waste Management. The focus of her presentation was the impact of indiscriminate waste disposal on the community and indeed on the lives of the individuals within the community, and participants learnt ways in which to assist their respective communities in proper waste disposal.

(Gem Hutchinson, delivering a presentation on Solid Waste Management.)

The morning session closed with a presentation on Youth Empowerment, by the youth group PRIDE. Participants were given pointers on how to tap into their potential and use resources within their community to empower themselves.

To conclude the session, participants were placed in groups and given specific topics to discuss, and were required to make paintings in relation to those topics. They were previously issued paint brushes and crayons.

The second day’s workshop was again conducted by Cpl. Sylvester Joseph, who introduced “ice-breakers” which helped to introduce the next session on Self Esteem. This session focused on the essentials of self worth

(CPL 224 Joseph below, introducing the session on Self Esteem)

• i am special
• think positive of myself
• think positive of others
• do well for myself
• do well for others.

The next speaker, Mrs Elizabeth Wilson, presented a session on Drug Abuse Prevention.

Participants were able to identify:

• legal and illegal drugs
• the effect of drugs on the body
• alternatives to drug use.

The afternoon session was geared towards participants using their artistic talents to design and draw.

The third day’s workshop, “Am I called to make a difference in my community?” began with an “ice breaker” which stimulated attendees for the next session, which was a group discussion led by Philomen Adonis.

To begin with, participants were doubtful as to their purpose in the community but quickly recognized that they were called to make changes so as to contribute to the well being of their community.

The next speaker, Mr Errol Moses, himself a recovering drug addict, spoke about
his personal experience of drug use and the challenges and pitfalls of using drugs. He advised participants to steer clear of drug use in all its forms.

The afternoon was geared towards performing arts sessions, which allowed the attendees to show their talents, which included:

• singing
• dancing
• poetry recitals
• group sketches.

This session revealed the wealth of talent amongst the youth in the community.

On the fourth day, a tour of the Boredelais Correctional Facility, took place.
Two inmates, one male and one female, shared their experiences with the group.

The group was encouraged by the inmates to:

• stay in school
• perform well in their subjects
• be obedient to their parents
• shun bad company and all will be well.

The afternoon session saw a group of Christian youth from an Evangelical church, perform music and dance, but from a Christian perspective. This was aimed at opening the minds of participants to Godly activities that would make a difference in their lives.

The last day of the workshop was a day for review, contemplation and reflection on the previous four days’ activities. There was also time for feedback from the participants.

It was noted that:

• there is a dire need to engage the youth from these communities in wholesome activities
• there is a need to engage the youth in activities which will challenge and bring out the best in them
• despite the possible pitfalls, there is hope for those who are willing to do the right thing, and
• there is a great need for a support system to be put in place by various local government and youth agencies, in order to continue the positive change process.

A youth action group is vital to facilitate the above points.

Where do we go from here?

• it is proposed that there will be follow up sessions with this core group in order to show a level of commitment and continuity.
• with the existence of this group, other projects will be implemented within the community.
• there is a need to involve the parents of the youth in the change process.
• conduct a Parenting Workshop to inform and instruct parents in parenting techniques.

To conclude, the workshop was deemed a roaring success. Participants were empowered with the necessary knowledge and skills to make positive changes and were equipped with information to pass onto their peers.

Participants were given time to rehearse and prepare for the closing ceremony, where all who attended the workshop were presented with special certificates of attendance.

Those who received certificates were as follows:

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