Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, congratulated 27 youth professionals as they officially became certified youth leaders during the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ Youth Leaders Certification Programme (YLCP) Graduation Ceremony, held on the second floor of Delphines at Pelican Bay Resort.
The graduation ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous 16-week training programme designed to equip youth leaders with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to create safe, positive and nurturing environments for young people throughout The Bahamas.
Graduates entered the ceremony during a formal processional as family members, supporters, facilitators, presenters and Ministry officials gathered to celebrate their achievement. The event was held under the theme, “Voices of Influence: Agents of Change.”
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey who was slated to deliver remarks, was unable to do so due to a temporary vocal condition. Her address was subsequently read by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Montez Williams, on her behalf.
Williams commended Minister Moxey for her unwavering support of youth, sports and cultural initiatives.
“Time and time again, I have witnessed the Minister prioritise youth, sports and culture functions. She consistently lends her support and advocates for the resources necessary to ensure that our young people are fully supported and our programmes are fully funded,” Williams said.
Minister Moxey, in remarks delivered during the ceremony, congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the programme and accepting the responsibility of shaping the next generation.
“For the past 16 weeks, participants have received the knowledge and training needed to help create a safe and nurturing environment for our youth,” said Minister Moxey in her speech. “I commend the Ministry of Youth and Sports for its foresight in creating this critical programme which is vital to our nation’s growth.”
The Minister noted that many young Bahamians face challenges stemming from economic uncertainty, social pressures, technological change and globalisation, making the role of trained youth leaders more important than ever.
Head of the Division of Youth, Sandena Neely, congratulated the graduates and underscored the importance of certified youth professionals in strengthening youth development efforts nationwide.
“It is important that we link arms with youth professionals such as yourselves because we are a small team at the Ministry of Youth and we cannot do it all,” said Neely.
“These youth professionals impact young people who may never walk through our doors or hear our voices, but they serve as trusted and valued partners in helping us reach and support the nation’s youth.”
Neely noted that recent legislative advancements have strengthened protections for young people through the establishment of new standards governing youth organisations and youth programmes.
“If you have a youth organisation or know someone who has a youth organisation, they must now come into compliance because it is the law,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address was youth advocate Rashard Ritchie, who reminded the graduates that youth leadership extends beyond titles and programmes, calling on them to remain focused on the needs of young people.
“What about the children?” he asked. “As certified youth leaders, you now carry the responsibility and mantle to help guide, mentor and positively influence the next generation.”
The Youth Leaders Certification Programme continues to serve as a cornerstone initiative of the Division of Youth, preparing youth workers, educators, coaches, church leaders, mentors and community advocates to effectively engage and support young people throughout The Bahamas.
By Shakara Trott/Bahamas Information Services
