Following its successful launch in New Providence, the Youth Achievers Club is now expanding to Grand Bahama, joining a nationwide rollout that will reach every island district with an Urban Renewal Centre.
At a news briefing on August 12, 2025, at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal Authority headquarters in Grand Bahama, plans were unveiled for the launch of the Urban Renewal Authority’s Youth Achievers Club on the northern island.
According to Deputy Director for Urban Renewal on Grand Bahama, Senator Kirkland Russell, all youth ages 7- 18 are welcome to join and benefit from the YAC initiative which strives to offer guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for personal growth.
“One of the most important parts or elements of the Youth Achievers Club is to put Urban Renewal and the government in the position where we can track these children from start to finish,” Senator Russell explained. “No matter what discipline they may be in, we are able to track their progress, provide intervention, or whatever support they may need along the way.”
From character and Youth Development, Education and Career Development, Health and Life Skills, Music and Arts Urban Youth Christian Movement and Sports, Fitness and Recreation, the program targets six core pillars and aims to inspire, support, engage, and uplift young people across the country, with an inclusive, all-access approach that embraces the differently-abled youth of the Grand Bahama.
Senator Russell emphasized the need to engage all youth, “The whole idea is to ensure we are able to help the child, give them a holistic environment where they can play, grow, and learn and at the end of the day become productive citizens of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”
The Deputy Director of Urban Renewal Grand Bahama has issued a heart-felt appeal to civic, and corporate partners, church groups, and volunteers to lend support; assist and donate musical instruments, uniforms, and school supplies as the new school year swiftly approaches.
The call comes ahead of the official launch of the Youth Achievers Club on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Central Zion Baptist Church in Eight Mile Rock. The event will be attended by Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal, The Hon. Keith Bell, and Minister of State for Social Services and Urban Development, Lisa Rahming.
