From left, the 2017 Eastern Caribbean Youth Ambassadors: Gary Telesford, Reon King, Adero Daniel, Reiba-Marie Baltimore, US ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS Linda Taglialatela, Nakiya Toussaint, Kevie Frederick, Jahnika Francis, Nathan Francis.
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, AUGUST 8TH 2017 – Jahnika Francis of St. Kitts and Nevis is among seven Youth Ambassadors from the Eastern Caribbean in Vermont, United States for the 2017 Youth Ambassadors Programme for the Caribbean exchange program.
The goals of the Youth Ambassadors program are to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and South America, and the Caribbean; prepare youth leaders to become responsible citizens and contributing members of their communities; influence the attitudes of the leaders of a new generation, and foster relationships among youth from different ethnic, religious, and national groups; and create networks of hemispheric youth leaders, both within the participating countries and internationally.
The Barbados-based U.S. Embassy said during their exchange, participants will focus on the programme themes of civic education, leadership, and community service. Students will create social action plans at the end of their community program, that each will implement in his/her own country.
The programme began on August 7 in Vermont, and concludes in Washington, D.C. on August 28.
Nakiya Toussaint of Dominica commented on her selection to be a Youth Ambassador, “I am very elated and honoured that I was selected to represent my country through this programme.”
Nathan Francis of St. Lucia echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Being selected as the Youth Ambassador for my country is not only an honour, but a dream come true.”
Since 2007, World Learning has implemented the Youth Ambassadors Program. World Learning is an American nonprofits organization advancing leadership in more than 60 countries. Its mission is to empower people and strengthen institutions through education, sustainable development, and exchange programs.
The other participants are Reon King of Antigua and Barbuda; Adero Daniel, of Barbados; Nakiya Toussaint of Dominica; Gary Telesford of Grenada; Nathan Francis of St. Lucia; and Kevie Frederick of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
They are accompanied by mentor, Reiba-Marie Baltimore of Antigua and Barbuda who will take part in the three-week exchange programme, along with participants from The Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
