“The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service is seeking strategic partnerships to revitalize and modernize the Youth Development Apprenticeship Centres (YDACs) and the Non-Residential Youth Development Centres. We are working to transform these facilities into optimally-functioning Centres that will address both the current and emerging needs of our youth.” This according to the Honourable Foster Cummings, Minister of Youth Development and National Service during his Feature Address at a Special Meeting of the Advisory Committee for Youth Development Apprenticeship Centres (YDACs) and Non-Residential Development Centres on Monday 25th October, 2021.
The Meeting of the Advisory Committee was held at the Head Office, Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries, Chaguanas to introduce members of the Committee to the Ministers of Education and Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, in a move toward a whole of Government approach to youth development across Trinidad and Tobago.
Chairman of the Committee, Anthony Garcia emphasized that “the work of this Advisory Committee for YDACs and Non-Residential Development Centres will be grounded in research so we can develop relevant programmes and a curriculum that responds to modern needs.”
Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education, who also gave remarks at the event, affirmed that in keeping with the focus on Theme I of Vision 2030 – Putting People First: Nurturing Our Greatest Asset, “the Ministry of Education is focused on providing a modern and relevant education system which also includes training. These Youth Facilities will contribute to lifelong learning for today’s and tomorrow’s needs and my Ministry will lend its support in this regard.”
Some practical advice was also shared by Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, as he urged the Committee to ensure that their recommendations are realistic and to utilize existing government resources to achieve their goals.
Also present at the ceremony were Mr. Farook Hosein, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development and National Service and Ms. Susan Shurland, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries. The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to promote youth development and encouraging civic-minded citizens to contribute to National Service across Trinidad and Tobago.
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