By Robert A. Emmanuel
The Ministry of Social Transformation, Human Resource Development, Youth and Gender Affairs has sought to dispel recent media reports that the Youth Ambassador Programme has been discontinued.
Via a press release yesterday, the Ministry stated that “the Youth Ambassador Programme is still very much active.”
According to the statement, the Youth Coordinator and Mobilization Officer with direct responsibility for the programme, Rushell Ellis, said that during a recently held meeting with the programme’s 10 ambassadors they were informed of the plans for the remainder of the term ending in 2021.
Ellis noted that she was elated to work with the current corp as they have shown their steadfast commitment to the programme and its potential.
The corp of youth ambassadors intends to focus on activities linked to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals while ensuring that youth engagement and participation remained at the heart of the government’s policy development and agenda.
Meanwhile, Minister of Social Transformation, Human Resource Development, Youth and Gender Affairs, Samantha Marshall, said she was proud that the Youth Ambassador Programme has a broad cross section of ambitious youth with different backgrounds, skills and talents.
Moreoever, Minister Marshall encouraged the ambassadors to engage more with their peers through positive and meaningful activities that will assist in realising the programme’s aims and objectives.
The Youth Ambassador Programme was established by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to develop a cadre of active young leaders involved in youth advocacy and community and national development. The government, according to the press statement, remained committed to the creation and maintenance of safe spaces for youth empowerment and development.