National Youth Week 2024 got underway on Sunday, August 11 at the Precision Centre.
The service was held under the theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”
In attendance were members of the National Youth Ambassador and Volunteer Corps, National Youth Parliament Association, Commonwealth National Youth Delegates, Dekryption, Youths Arise, and other non-governmental organisations.
Also in the audience of youth leaders were His Excellency, Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Senator Samantha Marshall, Permanent Secretaries Sarah Stuart and Sandra Joseph, as well as the Director of Youth Affairs, Dr Jrucilla Samuel.
After a session of worship, led by Cathrona Samuel of Precision Centre, scripture reading by National Youth Ambassador Janet Simon, and a well-received rendition of “To God be the Glory” by Chrissie Williams, the Director of Youth Affairs, Senator Marshall, and Senior Elder of Precision Centre, Wingrove Spencer, underscored the need for spiritual longevity, stronger family ties, and a discerning heart.
In her PowerPoint presentation, the director asserted, “Sustainable development is directly linked to spiritual fortitude and longevity. It’s not just about living long. It’s about building strength and equipping yourself for challenging times.”
Dr Samuel attributed the increasing global “cases of depression, suicides, crimes, and all kinds of get-rich-quick schemes” to the “lack of stamina, patience and purpose.” The director urged young people to pursue spiritual longevity, which will “enable them to sustain breakthroughs.” Quoting a renowned author, Dr Samuel repeated, “You need longevity because your destiny and potential cannot be attained in a few years.”
Senator Marshall told the audience that as a mother of a six-year-old, she recognises the important role technology plays in the lives of children, but she also understands that young people need guidance and need to socialise. “You have to bring a balance. It’s important,” she told the congregation. She asked the church to “pray for families because we have young people in families who must be taught to be patient, what it is to know God, believe in God, and have faith.” Senator Marshall added, “That is one of the key areas at Social Transformation.”
The Senior Elder of Precision Centre delivered the sermon, surrounding the International Youth Day theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” Wingrove Spencer told the congregation, “Here at Precision Centre, we have embraced technology and encourage young people to do likewise.”
However, he pointed out that while the benefits of technology are numerous, one cannot deny that there are some serious challenges. According to Spencer, “many young people are battling with issues of identity and reduced social skills,” and they are also facing “psychological and health challenges that are now common on the earth today.” He said that anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges can be linked to the use of technology.
The senior elder insisted that “in order for something to be truly sustainable, it has to start in God…and built on the principles and values declared by Him.” He told the congregation that as they click and engage with technology and the digital world, they should be mindful that “there are consequences when we choose good and when we choose evil.”
Just as the Biblical figure, Solomon, asked God for wisdom to govern his people, the senior elder Spencer encouraged the congregation to do the same. He explained to the room filled with young leaders that they too can make sound decisions . . . if they pray for a discerning heart.
National Youth Week continues today, International Youth Day, with a Beautification Project at Pensioners Beach. Young people from diverse places across the island, including members of the National Youth Ambassador Corps, National Youth Volunteer Corps, University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus Guild, and the non-profit organisation, Adopt a Coastline, will participate in a beach cleanup, tree planting exercise, and bench installment activity.
The overarching goals of this meaningful initiative is to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and build the self-esteem and confidence of youth as they engage in a worthy cause.
Young people who would like to participate in the activities can call the DYA at 774-0958/781-3078 or email [email protected].
