Turks & Caicos 2024 National Youth Week Activities 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 17th September 2024 – In recent years, the community has been plagued with violence, particularly among Youth. It is a significant concern that requires urgent attention and intervention. It is important to explore innovative and effective solutions that empower young individuals to reclaim their communities and foster environments favourable to peace and collaboration. Considering this positive approach, the theme for National Week Celebrations 2024 is “Reclaiming Our Community- Youth Solutions to Violence”. The goal is to continue to explore various strategies that can be used to mitigate youth violence, underlining the importance of community engagement, education, and the cultivation of resilience.

Commenting on the National Youth Week Activities for 2024, The Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Library Services commented, “By empowering Youth to take initiative, communities can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility that is crucial for sustainable change. Moreover, youth engagement can lead to innovative problem-solving approaches that are often overlooked by traditional leadership. For example, young people may be more adept at utilizing technology and social media to spread awareness and mobilize their peers, thereby amplifying their impact”.

National Youth Week 2024’s key features are the upskilling opportunities focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and employment. These sessions will target employable-aged Youth, as well as our 4th and 5th formers, exposing them to various presentations by key stakeholders, focused panel discussions, and breakout sessions promoting interviewing and resume writing skills. Furthermore, there will be a deep dive into how art and music can be used as a tool for Youth to express themselves safely and emotionally. This year will also feature the famous Youth Week speech competition.

Additionally, a major highlight is the extensive collaboration with key agencies that focus on intervention, rehabilitation, and child safeguarding. We seize this opportunity to thank the Departments of Social Development & Welfare, Rehabilitation & Community Services, Community Policing Unit, and the Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force for their partnership.

The Department of Youth Affairs encourages the Youth and community to support the Family Fun Day, commencing with a Peace March, as we work together to reclaim our communities. In addition, the Department promotes youth engagement by inviting school bands, choirs, cultural groups, and performing arts groups to showcase their talents.

The attached infographics provide logistical details on the various events across the country. The Department of Youth Affairs encourages the community to contact the Department of Youth Affairs’ representative on the respective islands for further information.