BYS experience lauded

A second chance to become focused and a way to get back on track.

 

Using these words to describe the Barbados Youth Service, President of the September 2016 Intake Trainee’s Council, Akeem Lovell gave praise to the programme during the group’s Passing Out Parade at Paragon on Friday evening.

 

“Some of us as adolescents came here not knowing how to respect authority or follow instructions, therefore we were forced to get accustomed to instructions, boundaries and dealing with the consequences of our actions. We might not have been the best berries in the bunch, but we tried our best to cope with the personalities and conditions,” he admitted. 

 

Lovell also stated that the residential phase of the programme inspires change amongst the participants, encourages discipline, develops communication skills, improves academics and shows how to 

co-exist effectively.

 

“As you know in most cases as long as there is change, there will be challenges and that is what we all experienced. However, we overcame these challenges and today we stand before you, having successfully completed this phase of the programme,” Lovell said.

 

He also assured gathered parents that their homes would be in tip-top shape for the Christmas season, as the trainees are now well aware of  how to operate manual washing machines, fold laundry and make beds to perfection, “in other words, you have a brand new individual to take home”.

 

Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Lovell extended thanks to the BYS staff, insisting that the experience had made them all stronger.

 

Later in the event, the audience was treated to an hour-long performance segment, as the trainees showcased the skills they honed during the residential programme, including dance, song, spoken word and a martial arts display. One major thrill was the drill presentation done to a mix of local and international music. (JMB)