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UNESCO Makes Headway in Fostering Meaningful Youth Engagement in the Caribbean region
Within the framework of the revision of the British Islands’ youth policy, and in efforts to bolster youth participation and inclusion in policymaking and development initiatives, the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, organized a two-day Meaningful Youth Engagement workshop in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
The workshop held on 26 and 27 February 2024, equipped forty (40) youth practitioners and decision-makers with the necessary tools and knowledge to engage young people effectively. Recognizing youth as pivotal stakeholders, UNESCO emphasizes their role not only as beneficiaries but also as partners in addressing challenges and shaping policies.
Hon. Sharie B. de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports; Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye, Director Department of Youth Affairs and Sport and Dr. Allison Archer, Secretary General of the BVI National Commission for UNESCO emphasized the importance of youth involvement in shaping the nation's future.
We aim for the revised youth policy to create lifelong impact. BVI can partner with UNESCO to effect significant change and to assist us in engaging with youth in a meaningful way.
Participants, including youth from various organizations, unpacked the concept of Meaningful Youth Engagement, its principles, preconditions, forms, benefits, and barriers. In addition, they were also exposed to practical planning and implementation, with sessions dedicated to understanding the current youth policy landscape, stakeholder cooperation and mapping based on the recently launched UNESCO Toolbox for youth policy and programming. Furthermore, participants contributed to the formulation of a comprehensive roadmap for the youth policy review process. Throughout the workshop, participants shared their experiences and insights and co-designed strategies and interventions tailored to the specific needs and priorities of the BVI.
By the end of the training, stakeholders finalized a preliminary roadmap which reflected national priorities, identified key stakeholders, and defined roles and responsibilities for the successful review of the national youth policy.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the workshop, Ms. Paula Isturiz-Cavero, Programme Specialist, Social and Human Sciences, at the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean expressed optimism about the strengthened capacities of youth policy makers and practitioners, as well as the enhanced network for knowledge sharing and exchange on youth engagement.
The workshop's comprehensive agenda and collaborative approach underscores UNESCO's commitment to empowering young people and fostering inclusive and participatory decision-making processes in the Caribbean region. As the British Virgin Islands embarks on the review of their youth policy, the principles of meaningful youth engagement are poised to play a central role in shaping a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
