The Tribune

LOWE SOUND, Andros – Thirty-six residents of north and central Andros joined the ranks of more than 500 Bahamians who have been certified by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture as Youth Leaders.

The ceremony, held last Thursday, brought to a close the first session of the National Youth Leaders Certification Programme for the island.

More than 100 persons from the communities of Lowe Sound and Nichol’s Town, as well as surrounding settlements, filled the picturesque Mount Freedom Fellowship Baptist Church, overlooking the ocean.

Picewell Forbes, member of Parliament for the South Andros constituency, commenced his keynote speech by leading attendees in a spirited and rousing rendition of “Living with Jesus on the Other Side”.

Mr Forbes said: “I am informed that this group of youth leaders are unique in that they represent a diverse set of leaders: church leaders, guidance counsellors, teachers, college students and police officers, among others.”

“It is vital that all persons who are entrusted with the social work of our nation’s youth be completely equipped to deal with the challenging needs of our young people.

“Youth workers must be timely, relevant, creative and knowledgeable in order to successfully execute all programmes that benefit our young people... we have to connect with young people where they are.”

The National Youth Leaders Certification Programme was first introduced in New Providence in January 2002.

Since then, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has expanded its efforts to train, equip and motivate those who have taken up the challenge to guide and nurture young people, by implementing the programme on other islands such as Andros, Abaco, Grand Bahama and Long Island.