Why St Kitts?
Both of our families are from St Kitts, so it holds a special place in our hearts. We have visited the island many times over the years and have seen the unfortunate increase in crime and youth violence. It is still a beautiful and safe place, but we believe that prevention is better than cure. The youth of the island need more activities, and alternative methods for learning. We also believe that all young people deserve the same opportunities around the world. We feel it will be more meaningful to actually go and do the work.
In late 2015, Elishah St Juste and Serena McCormack met with Hon. Shawn Richards Minster of Youth and Education. He highlighted education, unemployment and gangs as the main issues facing the young people in St Kitts. He mentioned that education was one of the department’s priorities for the following 12 months after our meeting. Our project objectives link in with the theme of Youth month 2016; ‘preparing for the future and investing in our youth.’
As the young people are the next generation to take over and continue to build a better future for St Kitts & Nevis. We know with your support we can help teach preventative skills through Performing Arts to equip them to not fall into the problem areas. As Richards rightly said “The magnitude of our youth population brings with it the realization that the foundation of our nation’s success rests on the shoulders of these young people.” In acknowledgment to the last statement, if this is so, then we want to use our knowledge and experience, to provide a service that will awaken the youth with more understanding, and support for the next generation. They will be exposed to a variety of transferable skills; so they will have more to offer once they leave education and move towards employment.
We are hoping through the success of this pilot project the govt and orgs over there will believe in the power of performing arts and support us in creating more youth projects.