The United Nations through the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), on Friday donated a Toyota Prado to the Ministry of Education’s, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.
UNFPA Assistant Resident Representative Patrice LaFleur hands over the vehicle to Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry in the presence of Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry Alfred King and Director of Youth Trevor Williams
Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry who received the donation stated that the Education Ministry has a long relationship with the UNFPA which has played a vital part in the development of Youth Friendly Spaces around the country. It was also stated that the relationship is strengthened by the donation.
It was related that the vehicle would be used by the Department of Youth to boost development of the Youth Friendly Spaces. The junior minister noted that the Education Ministry is placing focus on those youth spaces to ensure that young people have a safe space to meet and have access to key services. As such, she praised the UNFPA for the donation.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry Alfred King explained that the vehicle will be used to aid in the advancement of youth development.
He reiterated Henry’s statement, telling those at the handing-over ceremony that the Youth Friendly Spaces project created an environment where young people can not only learn about themselves and their sexuality, but also develop themselves in a positive way. He also expressed gratitude for the vehicle gesture.
explained that relations between the organisation and the Ministry of Education began in 2003, and over the years has seen several successful partnership initiatives undertaken.
She stated that UNFPA is pleased with the fruits of the relationship with the ministry, adding that the vehicle will be used in the Department of Youth’s outreach programme to the Youth Friendly Spaces where focus will be placed on adolescents and youth development, especially adolescent pregnancy reduction. She also pointed out that the UNFPA has a mandate from the UN and the Caricom Secretariat to address adolescent pregnancy reduction.
