Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services

Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services

Celebrates Youth Work Week 2023

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands- Friday, 3rd November 2023: The Department of Youth Affairs joins the Commonwealth in celebrating Youth Work Week from 6-12th November 2023 under the theme, “Youth Work in Every Place and Space”.  The aim is to raise awareness of the life-changing difference Youth Workers have on young people aged between 10 –35 years of age in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  This year, Youth Work Week focuses on the breadth of youth work across the country: in youth centres, hospitals, outdoor activity centres, cultural spaces, and so much more.

Youth Work Week is a chance to raise awareness of the difference youth work makes to young people, providing them with somewhere to go, something fun to do, the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and receive the support of a trusted adult.

Youth Workers are essential in offering vital support focused on young people’s personal well-being and emotional health and help improve social skills, providing a safe space for young people where they can thrive and develop.

Youth work uses a distinct educational process which provides young people with a safe space to have conversations about their place in the world and the barriers they may be facing.  It empowers them to challenge their circumstances and make informed life choices.

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, stated: “It is important to highlight the diversity in youth work by celebrating the positive impact youth work has on young people.  Youth work is inextricably linked to every field, as youth are the future.  Youth work empowers young people to explore their values, beliefs and ideas while enabling them to develop their voice and place in national development”.

This year, the Department of Youth Affairs will engage in a social media campaign highlighting persons in the community who have devoted their time to youth work while showcasing the linkage of youth work in different occupations.  The community is welcome to join in the social media campaign by tagging the Department of Youth Affairs in their area of Youth Work by using the hostage #TCIYouthSpaces or #YWW23.