Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 27, 2018 (SKNIS): Officials at the Department of Youth Empowerment are addressing a few misconceptions that have developed about the type of assistance facilitated by the Volunteer Corps.
Assistance from non-governmental agencies is welcomed as the focus traditionally will be on not-for-profit activities. While requests for volunteers can be made from public agencies and private businesses or individuals, Youth Officer Sharon Cannonier – who manages the corps – said that the activities that the young people will be engaged in must benefit persons or a community and contribute to national development.
An example of this would be a company/organization performing a beautification campaign, distributing food hampers, or hosting a social function for the underprivileged or vulnerable groups. Inappropriate requests would involve cleaning out the firm’s basement, or archiving documents/materials.
Ms. Cannonier encouraged persons who are unsure if their activities qualify for support from the Volunteer Corps, or who require additional information, to stop by the department’s office in The Cable Building on Cayon Street or call 662-6054 for clarification.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, Honourable Shawn Richards, fully endorses the activities of the volunteer programme. In a previous press release, he expressed that volunteerism provides valuable training and experience to individuals and helps to instil positive qualities such as self-discipline and patriotism.
