Small Islands Voice Workshop with Youth Workers September, 2002

As part of the Small Islands Voice (SIV) Project, a half-day workshop was organized with the Youth Workers on the 23rd September 2002. The workshop was opened by the co-coordinator of the project, Mr.Rolph Payet, who briefed the workers on the expected outcomes of the workshop. The opening was followed by a visual presentation by the assistant co-coordinator Mr. Alain De Comarmond, on the SIV project, as well as the expected contribution of the Youth Workers and the Youth Action Teams towards the project. Different component of the project were outlined, for example the Young Islanders Forum, the Global Forum and the community opinion survey.

Mr. Rolph Payet explaining a point to the Youth Workers

Next on the agenda was a brainstorming session, where the workers had the opportunity to brainstorm on the following, what are the main issues facing the youths today? The workers had to put forward the most pressing issues that they encounter amongst the youth in their respective districts and regions. The results were then compiled to see which issue was the most common. Sex turned out to be the most pressing issue followed by access to recreational activities. Below is a list of the issues in order of popularity:

1. Sex
2. Access to recreational activities
3. Drugs, alcohol, peer pressure
4. Employment/housing
5. Political problems
6. Culture
7. Education and environment
8. Transport

Youth Workers during the discussion session

Mr. Payet then made a short presentation on the community opinion survey. The Youth Workers then broke up into pairs within regional groups to test out the questionnaire, this gave them the opportunity to check the efficiency, clarity and format of the questionnaire. Several suggestions were put forward in terms of formatting and wording.

At the end of the session each individual had the opportunity the voice their opinion on any other issues. They were asked two specific questions: whether they had benefited from the workshop, and whether they thought such activities should continue in the future. High satisfaction was expressed on the organization of the workshop, especially its participatory nature. There was unanimous agreement that similar activities should be organized in the future, and it was requested that they be conducted at a district level. A second meeting was held to finalise logistics for the community opinion survey, which was conducted by the youth.

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