Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee charged hundreds of youths and other Region Six residents to be their brother’s keepers at the first inter-community fun day for the year on Sunday.
The fun day was hosted as part of the Citizen Security Programme that targets youths between the ages of 14-25 countrywide, a press release from the Government Information Agency said. It is based on an agreement between the government and the Inter-American Development Bank, which is aimed at creating unity among communities throughout the country.
“The overall purpose of the programme is to build bridges and better understanding between communities, with a holistic goal of helping to fight crime and strengthening of social cohesion,” Rohee told the gathering. He noted that the day’s activities are about edutainment, sending positive messages to the communities. The minister also urged citizens to look out for each other’s safety “since criminals doesn’t choose between friends and neighbour” they strike when they can find something to steal.
According to Rohee the programme is committed to providing an opportunity for out-of-school youths and early school drop-outs to learn a skill. Hundreds of youths in the region are currently benefiting from the youth skills/vocational training component in 11 areas including joinery, data entry, mechanic, cosmetology, handicraft, bakery and electrical installation.
The programme has also been launched in Sophia, Kilcoy/Chesney, Annandale and Agricola/McDoom.
The fun day was held at the Port Mourant Sport Ground.
