Introduction

The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs is the co-ordinating agency for youth development work in Trinidad & Tobago. The Division of Youth Affairs, recognising the invaluable contribution of other government agencies, the private sector and non-government voluntary organizations, is committed to playing its role by promoting a co-ordinated and integrated approach to youth development work. In addition to its co-ordinating role, the Youth Division also provides youth services.

CLIENTELE

The Division's Clientele comprises young people between the ages of 15 and 25 years, who are members of youth groups, sports, cultural clubs as well as youth (individuals) with no group or club affiliation.

REGISTRATION

Young people who are members of Youth Groups are encouraged to register their Groups with the Ministry to enable the Youth Officers who are based in the respective districts to effectively service the Groups.

YOUTH PROGRAMMES

Services are provided through the following programmes: District Youth Services Youth Centre Programmes Youth Placement Services Resource and Information Services Annual Special Projects.

DISTRICT YOUTH SERVICES

There are ten (10) Administrative Districts that are managed by Youth Officers, with assistance from Voluntary Youth Leaders.

These are:

In the North; Caroni, St. Andrew/St. David, St. George East, St. George West.

In the South; Nariva-Mayaro, St. Patrick East, St. Patrick West, Victoria East, Victoria West, and Tobago.

The Services offered include Leadership Training, Out-of-School Education, Technical Advice on Youth Matters, Counseling and Referral Services.

YOUTH CENTRES

Youth Centres are multi-purpose facilities, managed by Boards of Management. Youth Representative Councils are responsible for programme implementation. Secretary Wardens and Staff attend to the daily administrative operations. There are six (6) Youth Centres that offer a range of services.

They are: Basilon Street - Malick - Californaia - St. James - Los Bajos - Woodbrook.

DYMEP

DYMEP is a micro-enterprise Programme for young men and women between 18-30 years. It aims at promoting youth self-employment to promote self-advancement. Loans are available to a maximum of $10,000.00 the second phase of the Programme commences in September of 1997.

RESOURCE & INFORMATION SERVICE

The Resource & Information Service is responsible for identifying, collecting and disseminating relevant information and resources to young people, students, young workers, community workers, social workers, teachers, policy-makers, planners and researchers. The Centre is also open to the public.

ANNUAL SPECIAL PROGRAMMES

The Youth Affairs Division mounts the following Projects on an annual basis:

National Youth Day, Youth Development Awards, Recreational Vocation Camps, Leadership Training Programme, Model Caricom Programme, Model United Nations Programme, Public Speaking Competition.

CONCLUSION

Theme Rally Around Youth (RAY) In 1994, the Ministry called on the National Community to "Rally Around Youth" and join the effort to support, encourage and guide our young people into more positive and productive activity. Let us therefore make a Commitment to Youth Today!

MINISTRY OF SPORT AND YOUTH AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF THE

REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

For additional information on any of our programmes you may write, phone or visit the:

MINISTRY OF SPORT AND YOUTH AFFAIRS HEAD OFFICE

Level 2

Issa Nicholas Building

86 Duke Street,

Port of Spain

Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

West Indies

Telephone 625-5622/4

Telefax 624-0011

Participate - Involvement - Youth Empowerment - Youth Micro Empowerment - Youth Structure - Young Women - Disabled Youth

Courtesy:

MINISTRY OF SPORT AND YOUTH AFFAIRS

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

COMMITTED TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

DIVISION OF YOUTH AFFAIRS

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

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