BY GOVERNMENT OF BARBADOS – JAN 30, 2023
The Ministry of Youth, Sports & Community Empowerment launched its Mentorship programme, Project Protégé, this morning, at its Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael offices.
Project Protégé is an initiative that will provide mentorship and guidance to young people aged 13-17, and will be facilitated by knowledgeable and experienced mentors.
For the six-month duration of the mentor/mentee alliance, the pairings will be exposed to a series of activities geared towards building and strengthening relationships, negotiating skills, as well as setting and advancing life goals.
In delivering remarks at the launch, Minister Charles Griffith stated that “2023 has been designated the Year of the Youth and the Ministry is rolling out a number of projects and initiatives to benefit our young people. Government is using this particular project, Project Protégé, as one of the means of taking our young people to a new destination”.
The sentiments from mentors Sharon Campbell, Lynzie Brathwaite-Armstrong and Shakeem Howell confirmed their enthusiasm and support for the project, emphasising the value that such a programme would bring to the positive development of young people across Barbados.
Mentor Shakeem Howell left the audience with some wise words: “Today signals a beacon that there is still hope for young people, and I want each and every one of us as mentors to take this charge seriously …. Tomorrow will always be a prosperous and bright future for Barbados, if we take the time to pour into the next generation.”
The objectives of Project Protégé include:
- Providing youth with positive role models and support.
- Creating a safe space where youth can find encouragement and guidance.
- Connecting youth with individuals who can help them face everyday challenges.
- Reducing the number of youth who find themselves negatively involved in the justice system.
The official logo of the project was also unveiled at this morning’s proceedings, featuring an abstract image of mentor and mentee. Several activities are scheduled to commence the matching process of 50 mentors and 50 mentees by the Special Projects Unit over the coming weeks.
