The Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services is on a mandated mission to identity and implement robust strategies to aid in eradicating bullying and cases of youth violence throughout our Schools.
Therefore, it is imperative to train youth on how to regulate their emotions and resolve conflict through effective nonviolent communication strategies. It is imperious that we instill in young people the necessary tools that are needed to succeed in life; and one way this can be achieved is through PEER TRAINING.
Towards this goal, The Department of Youth Affairs, recently hosted an Emotional and Conflict Management Training Workshop on 18th May 2022. The Department accommodated thirty (30) participants from across the Government’s High Schools, including representatives from the Turks Caicos Islands Community College. The session was well received by the participants and provided a forum and Safe Space for the youth to express themselves free of judgements.
Further, the Department of Youth Affairs recently launch its National Youth Policy which speaks to creating Safe Spaces and environments for young people. Moreover, developing young people as Peace Builders who will be able to resolute conflict among their peers, signifies the Department’s commitment to ensure that our youth are receiving preventative strategies and are proactively engaged.
Mrs. Jasmine Thomas, Director for the Department of Youth Affairs commented, “It is the Department’s goal to ensure development of violence prevention measures in the Education System at all levels, while utilizing evidence-based models. In addition, focusing on preventative programs to assist with conflict management, anti-behaviors and gang violence”
Dr. Barbara Ambrister, of Human Capital Development and Training Services and facilitator for the training commented, “It is amazing how our young children have already framed their perspectives of the world and are adjusting themselves with techniques of survival”.
The Minister of Education stated, ‘ As we aim to address Human Capital Development, it is paramount that we also address the social ills of society in an effort to ensure that there is inclusivity in our development of our people. We will make bold steps through our initiatives in an effort reach our youths in all communities.’
Youth who participated in the training will serve as Peer Mentors and Peace Ambassadors in their schools. The Department of Youth Affairs will continue to implement more holistic and evidence-based violence prevention initiatives.
