Programme for at-risk youth gets $75 000 injection

The leading rehabilitation programme for at-risk youth in Barbados has been given a major boost.

Impressed with the work being carried out at the Drug Education and Counselling Services (DECS), The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust (SLCT) pledged $75 000 towards its programming.

Trustee Phillipa Challis made the announcement while handing over ten brand new laptops to Chairman of DECS, Roger Husbands yesterday.

The faith-based NGO organisation, located in Roebuck Street, has been working with young boys and girls with substance abuse and behavioural issues for the past 15 years, as well as offers English, Mathematics and Computer Application classes.

“We as The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust came today to donate 10 laptops to the programme and we have seen the amazing work being done in this very small facility. We are overwhelmed by all the wonderful people, the counsellors, here on a Saturday morning giving their time for the benefit of the adolescents in Barbados. We have been so impressed with the impact and we would like to donate $75 000 to this very worthwhile cause,” Challis said.

A surprised and grateful Husbands expressed his appreciation to The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust for their continued assistance.

He highlighted that funds will immediately go towards widening their counselling scope, revealing, “Recently, we have been getting over seven referrals a day.

“The courts are sending the children, the schools, police officers as well as parents walking in with their children saying they need help.

“I want to thank The Trust for coming to our aid…We are one of the leaders in Barbados with the fight against gangs, using education, counselling and skills training to help combat the surge of gangs in our nation. Our counsellors and volunteers are some of the most wonderful, dedicated and commitment persons so funds will also go
towards giving them a well-rewarded stipend,” Husbands added.
(TL)