Public asked to nominate outstanding youth workers
(L-R) Talk Today radio host, Sterling Dwayne Ebanks, James Myles and Dr Dalton Watler discuss youth issues
(CNS Local Life): The contributions of local youth workers and organisations were recently celebrated when the Youth Services Unit (YSU) hosted a series of radio interviews where participants shared their efforts and hopes for the future of their programmes. The interviews were featured during Commonwealth Youth Work Week (7-13 November), and addressed this year’s theme of “Empowering young people through sport and arts”.
To continue recognising youth workers across the Cayman Islands, the YSU is asking members of the public to submit the names of those who deserve to be acknowledged for their contributions, years of service or innovations in the field.
During the interviews, a number of youth workers offered insight into the success stories of young people they have mentored in programmes throughout the Islands. Those discussing youth programmes included Lorna Reid (dance and performing arts), Coach Ernie “Gillie” Seymour (football), Nicole Bodden (music), J.C. Connor (community arts), Antoinette Parris-Hoyte (culinary), Coach Merta Day (sports), Coach Theo Cuffy (cricket), Georganne Rankine (culinary), Dr Dalton Watler (sports), Coach Roy “Huta” Ebanks (football) and Beneil Miller (music).
James Myles, YSU acting director, said in a government press release, “These interview segments offered an interesting dialogue with and amongst local youth workers. Many of them are already familiar faces in our community but they have a lot of insight into how we can empower young people to reach their personal, civic, even academic goals.
“Whether operating under the guidelines and support of not-for-profit organisations, the government, or best practice, our youth workers strive to carefully plan and concisely execute the kinds of safe high-quality programming that should be accessible to their respective communities and the young people who are impacted through their mentorship and encouragement.”
Youth programmes can be found throughout the Cayman Islands across schools, churches, uniform groups, sporting bodies and artistic/cultural institutions. While they take many different forms, these programmes have one common goal: to inspire and empower young people. The youth workers who dedicate their time, energy and creativity to these programmes in large part make this goal possible.
Profiles of outstanding youth workers will be compiled and shared on YSU social media pages.
To nominate a youth worker, email or call (943-1127) James Myles
Category: Youth
