Graduates of the Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps (BYAC) have been encouraged to embrace self-belief, resilience, and a sense of responsibility as they celebrated the completion of their transformative two-year programme at a graduation ceremony held at Queen’s College.
Director of the BYAC, Hally Haynes, lauded the 135 graduates from Cohort 5 for their accomplishments, crediting their success to a robust curriculum designed to prepare them for the workforce and community engagement.
Haynes shared that the graduates, who began their training in September 2022, were exposed to vocational and academic programmes, leadership development, and a mandatory 200 hours of community service.
“Today we gather to celebrate a transformational journey, one that speaks to the heart of our theme: shaping the future. We are a product of change,” Haynes said. “This programme has equipped you with the skills, resilience, and mindset necessary to navigate the evolving challenges of today’s world.”
The programme also included partnerships with institutions like the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology and the Barbados Community College, providing qualifications in fields such as culinary arts, masonry, and motor vehicle engineering. According to Haynes, approximately 70 per cent of the trainees received certification in their fields of study, with many going on to full-time or part-time employment.
“This comprehensive approach integrates academic and vocational training, work experience, and volunteer service, equipping young people with the skills, values, and mindset to thrive in an ever-changing world,” he said.
The director expressed optimism for the future of BYAC, pointing to plans to strengthen the programme and expand its partnerships.
“Together, we will continue to nurture a generation who are prepared to face the challenges of today and build a brighter tomorrow,” he said. “To whom much is given, much is expected. You are ambassadors for your parents, guardians, and for other young people.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Youth, Sport, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith echoed Haynes’ sentiments, calling on graduates to be agents of change. “The stance that you take going forward is one where you will stand out as ambassadors,” Griffith said. “Regardless of where life takes you, you must believe in yourself and embrace the future that lies ahead.”
He stressed that the government would continue supporting the BYAC programme, aiming to increase its capacity to 1,000 trainees per year and constructing dormitories to accommodate the growth. “Change is constant, and with change comes opportunity,” Griffith said. “The future belongs to you, and how you treat it is up to you.” (RG)
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