The government’s Block Transformation Programme is set to expand after reaching over 6 000 young people across Barbados, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith has announced.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, he described the programme’s impact as ‘mind-boggling’ noting that since the reconstitution of the Block Committee in 2023 it has successfully changed the lives of several individuals who could have been otherwise minded.
The minister further shared that through the initiative, known as Project Dawn, 41 new businesses have been created by participants who previously had no business experience, while 17 farming ventures have been established.
The ministry has provided funding for land and equipment to support these young entrepreneurs.
“We have started under the Block Transformation Unit 41 new businesses from men who never had any kind of idea about starting their own business,” Griffith said. “Seventeen businesses in relation to farming were started.”
The programme has also focused on rehabilitating young people on the block, offering technical assistance and structured support.
Griffith noted that mentorship teams have visited over 170 blocks across the country, providing guidance and assistance to at-risk youth.
“To date, they have visited in excess of 170 blocks across this country. A true labour of love to bring about change. Their mantra is that they’re building Barbados today block by block,” he said.
Griffith, who was responding to criticisms raised by the opposition leader, outlined other key achievements of his ministry in entrepreneurship, training, and community empowerment.
Through the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES), the ministry facilitated the creation of 22 new businesses while assisting 125 young entrepreneurs with business solutions. Additionally, 10 businesses received technical assistance, and 21 businesses benefited from specialised marketing consultancies.
“He asked for KPIs, he would get KPIs,” Griffith said, referencing Thorne’s request for key performance indicators (KPIs).
“The delivery of business solutions to 125 young entrepreneurs . . . We assisted 10 businesses with some technical assistance during the financial year. We provided specialised marketing consultancies for 21 businesses during the financial year.”
The ministry’s Employability Programme impacted 776 young people, while the I AM Conference engaged 523 individuals.
Meanwhile, the Moving On Project, which supports students transitioning into secondary school, impacted 1 241 students across 25 schools.
Griffith also highlighted the role of the Cultural Training Programme, which, according to him, saw 358 young people trained across the island, and the Youth Development Programme, which he said implemented 33 community projects.
“Our cultural training programme, 358 young individuals across this island were impacted by our cultural programme that seeks to do training at community level,” he said. “Thirty-three community projects were implemented this year under the Youth Development Programme.”
He told the House of Representatives that the Community Sports Programme continues to see strong participation, with 668 individuals registered.
“At community level, our Community Sports Programme, 668 individuals are registered to participate in that particular programme for this financial year,” Griffith noted, adding that his ministry has also focused on developing sports facilities, several nearing completion.
He also announced an upcoming badminton and squash facility, with construction set to begin this year.
The minister revealed that the HIV/AIDS Life Skills Programme reached 4 068 individuals over the past year, while technical and vocational training initiatives certified 246 young people.
He emphasised that the ministry remains focused on providing young people with structured opportunities for employment, education, and entrepreneurship, stating, “I call it the Aviation Ministry, because we’re teaching and providing wings for our young people to fly.”
(SM)
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