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30 Apr 2010 - 11:26am
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Youth: The Strength and Future of the Nation
During our first term in office, the affairs of the youth of our nation were a high priority for the government.
For the first time, the government has defined a clear National Youth Policy, with a Ministry of Youth Affairs to implement it and a Director of Youth Affairs to manage the many initiatives for Youth Development.
Through the Board of Education and the Foreign Service’s emphasis on securing international academic opportunities, there has been an increase in the number of university-level scholarships awarded to youth. Currently, over 1,000 Antiguans and Barbudans are pursuing higher degrees in many countries around the world. Youth who require financing to assist with higher education benefitted when the UPP Government established a National Education Grant fund to offer educational loans of up to $50,000 at a nomional 3% interest.
Opportunities for training and education for youth have multiplied at the various departments of the Antigua State College, the Police Training School, the Antigua Barbuda International Institute of Technology, the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute and other institutions throughout the country.
Through the many Computer Access Centres throughout the country, access to computers, and training to use them, are available to every young person at no cost. Training in foreign languages is also provided at these Centres.
Youth are provided with free school uniforms and receive nutritious meals at school at minimal cost.
In view of the significant gains realized during the first five years of a UPP Administration, the youth of Antigua & Barbuda have a vested interest in ensuring the re-election of the UPP.
During our second term, these are some of the projects we will embark on to consolidate our programme for youth development and advancement:
We will create the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Business Trust. In helping young people to build successful businesses, the ABYBT will offer:
- Business start-up capital subject to appropriate vetting and project oversight requirements;
- Business mentoring;
- Business-affiliated grants; and
- Business support, including training and skills development, and opportunities for marketing and promotion and networking.
The Single Mothers Cottage Industry Programme will help increase employment opportunities for young single mothers with limited or no skills. Training will be offered in Agricultural Production and Elder Care.
The Youth Apprenticeship Programme in Agriculture will provide youth aged 17 to 25 years with an opportunity to become involved in farming as a business.
Youth Development and Apprenticeship Centres will cater to youth aged 15 to 25 years who have not yet acquired enough education. They will pursue two years of training in a number of vocational and occupational skills.
The Youth Development Programme will offer youth opportunities for a variety of training within their communities, using the school plants in the afternoons and evenings.
