Prime Minister Philip Pierre proclaimed at the 36th Annual General Meeting of the Castries East Constituency, that his government will implement programmes to get young people out of their deviant behaviours.
Now, it must be understood clearly, that deviant behaviour among young people is very prevalent in our society. Let me refer very quickly to a situation which was drawn to my attention.
On Tuesday, 13th August, I went to a Restaurant to buy a snack. As I entered, I heard the restaurant owner in conversation. She was saying to another customer, that she sat in her business and saw a about three very young boys coming in the direction of her restaurant. One of the boys was brandishing a gun in the open, unconcerned about who was watching at the time. The restaurant owner further indicated that it was only a few days ago that a shop, a few buildings away, had been broken into. She insisted that she was ready for any eventuality, and was ready to put up a fight should the boys decide to enter her restaurant.
Indeed, these boys were young adults between the ages of 19 to about 22 years.
Now, let me hasten to point out that the population of St. Lucia is about one hundred and eighty-five thousand people. About 72% of that population are young people.
Now what are the programmes that the government has already introduced to get young people out of their deviant behaviour?
This article is intended to focus on two programmes as follows: The Technical and Vocational Educational and Training programme (TVET), and The Youth Economy Programme.
As an educator, I wish to point out that our education system has a structure that prepares students for the academics. By academics I mean the schools prepare the students to enter secondary schools, colleges and universities, usually to become doctors, lawyers and so on.
Yes indeed, school will continue with its academic curriculum or programmes. However, for the academic or school year 2024 to 2025, the education system will include four technical and vocational institutions ready to provide training which will carve out a unique space in the general economic system of St. Lucia.
Indeed, in the (TVET) schools, practical skills are the focus. Let me point out that many of our students can pursue an academic programme, but many more would perform a lot better if they are provided with a hand-on curricular programme.
Now a (TVET) programme will provide students with a Global Education. That is, the skills which they will acquire will enable them to utilize those skills in St. Luca, the Caribbean, or in the world.
Indeed, a (TVET) will provide flexible class schedules which would help students to bring their passions to life. The programmes will provide hands-on experience with the context of providing more direct training. No doubt, these programmes will be adaptable and allow students to make choices that would suit their needs.
Now, finding a job will be a lot easier for the students on graduation.
Very recently, I heard a contractor lamenting the fact that he has work to offer young people, in fact anyone, but they do not have the skills to fill the jobs, and that he has to look for the skills that he needs overseas.
But I can tell you, that the time is fast coming, when the technical skills will be available in St. Lucia.
The Youth Economy Programme has already been introduced in St. Lucia.
The Youth Economy Programme is managed by an Agency. And from the information which I have received, the programme is progressing by ‘leaps and bounds. The young people are taking advantage of a programme which is intended to carve out a unique space for them in the general economic system of St. Lucia.
The Youth Economy Programme provides an opportunity for young people to become entrepreneurs and grow their businesses. State resources in the form of finance and training are being provided to young people to create and grow their businesses.
Indeed, if a poll is taken now, it would reveal that the youth of our various communities are extremely happy with the Youth Entrepreneur Programme.