Youth and violence: Governments should stop deviant behavior (Part 3)

Prime Minister Philippe Pierre announced at the 36th annual general meeting of the Castries East Region that his government will implement plans to help young people get out of deviant behaviour.

Now, it must be clearly recognized that deviant behavior among young people is very common in our society. Let me quickly touch upon one situation that has come to my attention.

On Tuesday, August 13, I went to a restaurant to buy some snacks. As I walked in, I heard the restaurant owner chatting. She was telling another customer that she was sitting in the store and saw three young boys walking towards her restaurant. One of the boys was waving a gun in the open air, not caring who was watching at the time. The restaurant owner also said that just a few days ago, a store a few buildings away was broken into. She insisted that she was prepared for any eventuality and was ready to fight back if the boys decided to enter her restaurant.

In fact, these boys are young men between the ages of 19 and 22.

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Now, I hasten to point out that the population of Saint Lucia is approximately 185,000 people. Of these, approximately 72% are young people.

So, what programs has the government introduced to help young people get out of deviant behavior?

This article focuses on two programs: the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program and the Youth Economy Program.

As an educator, I would like to point out that our education system has a structure to prepare students academically. By academic, I mean that schools prepare students for high school, college, and university, typically to become doctors, lawyers, etc.

Yes, the schools will continue with their academic courses or programs. However, in the 2024-2025 school year, the education system will include four technical and vocational institutions, ready to provide training that will occupy a unique position in the overall economic system of Saint Lucia.

Indeed, in (TVET) schools, practical skills are the focus. I would point out that many of our students can pursue academic courses, but more would perform better if they were provided with practical courses.

Now, the (TVET) program will provide students with a global education. That is, the skills they acquire will allow them to apply them in São Luca, in the Caribbean, or around the world.

Indeed, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) will offer flexible course schedules to help students turn their passion into reality. These courses will provide practical experience in the context of more direct training. Undoubtedly, these courses will be adaptable and allow students to make choices that suit their needs.

Now, it will be much easier for graduates to find jobs.

Recently I heard a contractor lament that he could offer jobs to young people, in fact anyone, but they did not have the skills needed to fill those positions, so he had to look overseas for the skills he needed.

But I can tell you that the time will soon come when Saint Lucia will be able to provide these technical skills.

Saint Lucia has embarked on a youth economy programme.

The Youth Economy Program is managed by a body. From the information I have received, the program is growing by leaps and bounds. Young people are taking advantage of this program which is designed to carve out a unique space for them in the overall economic system of Saint Lucia.

The Youth Economy Program provides young people with opportunities to start and grow businesses. The state provides resources to young people in the form of funding and training to help them start and grow businesses.

In fact, if you were to conduct a poll right now, you would find that young people in our communities are very happy with the Young Entrepreneurs Program.