 Nikoli Edwards, former Secretary of the Guild of Students told UWI Today all about the upcoming Trinidad and Tobago Youth Convention. He is part of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) that is working with the Trinidad Youth Council, Tobago Youth Council, the University of the West Indies and the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs to significantly impact the lives of young persons. With the theme of Engage, Inspire and Empower! - the TTYC will be held on Saturday 27 August 2016 at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya from 10:00am – 6:00pm. Admission is free and the event caters to youths 15-29 years.
1) What is the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC)?
The Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) is possibly the best example of youth working on behalf of youth. Over 1.2 billion young people below the age of 30 across the 53 Commonwealth countries are represented by the council through its nine member executive and their committees. The CYC acts as a strong voice, articulating not only the needs of today’s youth but also delivering a strong message, that youths should not be seen simply as beneficiaries of development but rather as partners in development. The council receives its mandate during the Commonwealth Youth Forum, which is held biennially. For this two-year term, young people decide on a social, economic, environmental and political agenda which is then delivered to Heads of Government.
2) What is your role with the Council?
I am the Vice Chairperson Policy, Advocacy and Projects of the CYC. I know it is a mouthful but as part of my mandate I head the communications arm of the council, develop advocacy campaigns, draft position papers and statements and lobby for the establishment of National Youth Councils, among other responsibilities.
3) In your capacity as Vice Chairperson- Policy, Advocacy and Projects, what are you passionate about?
I bring to the table a strong desire to see youth empowerment become a reality. Too often young persons have great ideas, solutions and transformative projects but they lack the support and resources. I therefore, would like to see more investment in the youth sector, not just through traditional investments in education but also in entrepreneurship, arts and culture, leadership training and the professionalisation of youth work. I would also like to see strong support for Juvenile Justice and Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, as these will undoubtedly reduce instances of crime and recidivism.
4) What made you conceptualise the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Convention?
For far too long the youth of Trinidad and Tobago has not been properly engaged and asked their opinion on issues that affect them. Youth rallies in this country are usually politically motivated, as they are a means of seeking votes. I felt as though there was a long overdue need to engage youths neutrally and to allow them to be in charge of the type of engagement they feel may work best. This way they can agree or disagree with the statements made by speakers and can provide feedback that will help shape the youth agenda. There has also been a need to provide a youth expo that highlights products and services that appeal to young persons. This way they can network and make meaningful connections that will help them in their lives.
5) Why do you think it is important to have initiatives like this for the youth?
Youths across Trinidad and Tobago have become frustrated with the lack of priority given to them. Young persons are the main victims and perpetrators of crime, yet how are they engaged in the quest to find a solution to this issue? The state invests heavily in education every year to the benefit of young people; however how are their views and experiences being captured for the purpose of improving the education system? The same goes for health and for the arts and culture, two sectors which are heavily exhausted and yet there is a continued high demand for them. If we want to experience true development across this country, in a way where the vast majority of the population is in support, then we must employ youths as partners in development and these types of engagements will allow persons to feel empowered, important and interested.
6) What is your vision for the TTYC?
I hope that the TTYC can be the answer to thousands of youth who need to know that they matter. I would love for it to be an event that receives a lot of buy-in and support because too often corporate entities and others invest in sports and think they are making the greatest investment in youth. However, we must move away from that thinking and understand that not all young persons like or are involved in sport. It is better to create an enabling environment for young people to come into their own, where they are not forced into a box or a particular direction. Ultimately, I would like young people to be taken seriously and seen as having something to offer the nation at the end of this event while at the same time benefitting from all that we will offer.
7) What is the rationale for the theme - engage, inspire, empower?
This theme is extremely dear to me because it speaks to the way in which we should interact with young people. Through the TTYC, we must first make a conscious effort to engage. Through engagement it must be a two-way conversation that allows young people to open up and feel comfortable to share their thoughts and ideas. Then we move on to inspire through motivational speeches and testimonials by other young people. A bit of inspiration goes a long way in igniting a fire that can do so much to break through stereotypes. Finally, we hope to empower individuals to be the leaders of change that will shape their future. You must be willing to give them the tools they need to be the best versions of themselves and in all of that trust the process.
8) What can young people attending the Convention expect?
Young people can expect a highly interactive day of events. At first we will have youth talks where inspirational young people would share their amazing stories and prove that despite the odds against you, you can rally through and make significant strides. There will also be live entertainment by numerous local singers, dancers and cultural groups. Then with the opening of the youth expo there will be hundreds of opportunities for the youth to benefit from. At the product and services booths there will be on display academic and skills building programmes; job placement agencies; health and safety campaigns; recreational, sporting and lifestyle offerings; volunteerism opportunities; finance, entrepreneurship and business advice; and much more.
9) What is one thing you hope a young person attending the Convention would gain from the experience?
I hope a young person attending can walk away feeling that they can conquer the world because support is there and opportunity exists. The unfortunate thing is that this particular type of support and opportunity is not easily available or highly advertised but this TTYC will bring them to the fore.
10) What is the next step following the Convention?
Following the first TTYC we hope to have numerous spin-off events and workshops. Youth work can never be a one-off event as young people need constant reinforcement and encouragement. Through the TTYC, we will lobby for greater engagement nationwide and ensure that support is given to other groups and young people who want to make an impact on the youth of our twin island republic.
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