This summer the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) teamed up with the Rotary Club of Tortola, a long time partner to offer a YEP “POP UP” branch in Road Town at the Multi-Purpose Sports complex. The programme will run for the months of July and August, with free enrolment to children ages 8-15. Children will have the opportunity to participate in activities that YEP has developed over the past 16 years and through partnerships with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and The Word Federation of Youth Clubs.
President of The Rotary Club, DIon Stoutt said, The Rotary Club of Tortola has truly enjoyed being able to support the Youth Empowerment Project over the years. The ability to offer the children of Road Town and its environs this free programme this summer based on the YEP model is a fulfilment of our Club’s commitment to continue to help shape our young boys and girls into becoming responsible citizens of this territory. We have long wanted to do this and are looking forward to the commencement of the programme in July. We are most grateful to the members of the YEP Board and to the Recreation Trust for making this a reality. This we hope is the first step towards a YEP expansion programme in Road Town.
The Executive Director of YEP, Mr. Stacy Mather MBE, stated, “The past year has not been an easy road for many of us, and the challenges with COVID-19 have also impacted our youth. YEP has always been keen to branch into other communities in the BVI and we are pleased to offer the YEP experience to children in Road Town this summer. This will hopefully offer our youth opportunities to smile, laugh and learn .”
YEP will continue to host its 16th annual summer programme at the YEP centre in Fat Hog’s Bay where in the past over 5000 children have benefited from the free enrolment.
Parents and participants in both programmes can expect to be enriched with over 30 programmes which include activities in computer literacy, coding, financial literacy, volleyball, basketball, horticulture, team building, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, art, painting, craft, sailing, field trips, guest speakers etc.
Mather thanked Mr. Stoutt and past presidents of the Rotary Club of Tortola and other community partners for their steadfast support in the youth of the Virgin Islands.
Enrolment drives will be held outside of the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Monday 10th May, Wednesday 12th May and Friday 14th May between 11am to 1:00pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
