The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, launched Youth Week 2023 on Tuesday 15th August, 2023 at 9:30 am, at the Teaching and Learning Complex (TLC), UWI St. Augustine.
Youth Week 2023 kicked off with the voices of the youth, as representatives from youth-led organizations like the Tobago Youth Council, the Trinidad Youth Council and the UWI Guild of Students brought greetings.
The Honourable Foster Cummings, Minister of Youth Development and National Service, in his Feature Address encouraged young persons to seize the opportunities made available to them at each carefully curated Youth Week event. Minister Cummings stated “Last year, young people described Youth Week as exciting, informative, vibrant and energy-packed. This year we up the ante and attendees can expect a more engaging and enriching experience.”
The youth voices at the launch echoed sentiments like, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world for it is the only thing that ever has.” Mr. Delano Joefield, General Secretary of the Tobago Youth Council as he motivated his fellow youth. He continued by highlighting the importance of each Youth Week activity.
Ms. Aishwarya Maharaj, President of the UWI Guild of Students noted the value of youth voices. She stated, “The future lies in the courage of our youth who dare to pursue opportunities in a world that tells us we are too young.”
Ms. Kwanieze John, Chair of the Ceremonies Committee for the Commonwealth Youth Games and Mr. Shane John, President of the Trinidad Youth Council also delivered remarks at the event.
This launch commenced a series of youth-centered and youth-focused activities in commemoration of International Youth Day, from August 15th to 17th, to facilitate the Ministry’s Youth Week 2023 initiative entitled Envision, Engage, Enrich.
Youth Week 2023 will feature, a Youth Work Conference, a Youth Entrepreneurship Market and Career Prep, and ends with the Youth on the Stage Talent Expo. Youth Week 2023 will provide the youth population with the relevant knowledge, resources and opportunities available for their personal and professional development.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service aims to build the capacity of young people in a quest to actively support and contribute to the social, cultural and economic growth of communities in Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry remains committed to bringing all
stakeholders together to advance the Youth Development agenda and encourage civic-minded citizens to contribute to national development.
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