In a steadfast effort to address the surge in youth-related gun and gang violence, the implemented multi-sector initiative, “Reaching the Streets Programme,” designed by Dr. David Burrows, is set to embark on Phase Two of its comprehensive intervention strategy.
The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Hon Rachel Marshall Taylor, expressed her excitement for the upcoming phase, stating, “I am eagerly looking forward to Phase 2 of the Reaching the Streets Programme which is all about implementation, commitment and change. The multifaceted approach including prevention, intervention, rescue and rehabilitation will aid in mitigating the impact of gun violence and influence troubled youth to make more positive choices.”
Scheduled for May 6th – 8th, 2024 in Providenciales and May 9th-11th 2024 in Grand Turk, the Phase 2 Training & Development Programme aims to train at least 400 persons with the knowledge and skills to reach out to at risk youth who are vulnerable to negative influence. Attendees will be able to use these new tools through schools, churches and the general community, to be motivators for positive change to the youth and their families.
Mrs. Cheryl Ann Jones, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education also commented that, “With the upsurge in youth related gun crime and violence, we have determined that it is only as a joined-up community that we can intervene and arrest this spate of gun crimes among our youth. Our position is that the more trained hands we have, the more expanded, consistent and sustained will be the reach and impact of the reaching the streets intervention.”
Key Highlights of the Programme
- Strengthening Youth Prevention & Intervention Strategies
- Forging Strategic Relationships
- Do’s and Dont’s of Street Outreach
- Understanding the Game – Street & Gang Life Dynamics
- Conflict Resolution Education
- Retention and Long-Term Strategies
Mrs. Jasmine Thomas, National Youth Director also commented on the upcoming even stating that, “Empowering persons with the necessary training to effectively reach street youth is not only an investment in their future but a commitment to uplifting an often marginalized and vulnerable segment of our society.”
Join the Initiative:
All stakeholders, including law enforcement, educators, parents, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations, are encouraged to participate in this collective effort to create a safer and more harmonious community.
For more information and to stay updated on the events, please stay tuned for further announcements from the organizing committee.
For media inquiries, please contact +1-649- 331-5299