Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 12, 2021 (SKNIS): In an effort to better provide opportunities to the at-risk youth of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Team-Unity led Government through the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is expected to roll out a Life Skills Training and Exposure Programme.
National Security Advisor, Retired Major General Stewart Saunders said this during the popular online forum series ‘Leadership Matters’ hosted by Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris on May 11.
Mr. Saunders said that the Life Skills Training and Exposure Programme was initially slated to begin rollout earlier but there was a setback because the programme was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programme entails two basic components which are soft skills and hard skills, he said.
“Soft skills entail teaching persons how to write job applications, doing interviews, communicating effectively, anger management, integrity, exercising responsibility, conflict resolution, stress management, financial and business education, values and attitudes, parental guidance, the law and society and civic responsibilities,” Mr. Saunders outlined.
“Hard skills on the other hand entail electrical and mechanical engineering, plumbing, culinary arts, stone cutting, appliance repairs, developing and managing entities, carpentry and masonry, computer skills and some higher academic qualifications,” added Mr. Saunders.
He further added that the intention of the programme is to have successful participants receive their appropriate national certifications on completion of their respective programmes.
“We intend therefore to continue engagement in the relevant institutions authorised to award certifications in order to make this a standard component of the opportunities offered by the programme,” said Mr. Saunders.
“Whilst we are doing this, we continue to be mindful of the victims of violence, they are also a part of the at-risk groups in society so we continue to compile lists of such persons which will be passed to the relevant authorities for their appropriate actions,” he said. “The programme has continued to add value through increased safety, security and stability in the nation while equipping our at-risk youths to become better citizens.”
