Needs of the young

September 29, 2010

Dear Sir,

I am really concerned about the violence amongst youth in Bermuda. As one who has worked in Bermuda as a social worker and school counsellor I am aware of many of the issues our young people face. I believe it is time for the government to reassess the needs of this population. Young people need opportunities to develop their skills and abilities, while at the same time being allowed to display their natural talents in a way which will generate praise and encouragement. Youth thrive on praise and love and show respect for adults who demonstrate genuine concern for their well-being.

It is important to work with young people very early (during the elementary school years) before they get to the point where they are self-destructive. Professional mentors with degrees in human services need to be assigned during those years, especially to youth who are from single parent homes or those youth who display behavioural concerns. Mentors can work with young people to ensure that their gifts and talents are channeled in the right direction, as everyone has some type of gift they are naturally born with. The Bermuda Government needs to invest more money in young people by providing funding for programmes which will allow the youth to develop their skills and abilities. Whether their interest is, art, music, sports, mechanics, computer technology, culinary arts, science, medicine, education or law (to name a few) there needs to be support from parents, educators and the Bermuda Government to ensure that young people can be successful. It is not enough to build a college and tell them it is available to them. They need someone to believe in them and motivate them so that they will take advantage of the opportunities presented.

Some youngsters come from family backgrounds where they are neglected and/or abused. If parents are not doing their jobs then the responsibility falls on the government to nurture and parent young people otherwise the whole of society will become victims of their retaliation, which is what is currently taking place. In some instances parents are innocent and just lack the parenting skills and resources to channel their youth in the right direction. Whatever the reason, government needs to intervene quite early in order to salvage young people so that they become productive citizens. Youth thrive on praise and encouragement and need someone to take an interest in them. It is time to show them that they are special by allocating funds and human resources where it is needed the most. The overall point I am trying to make is that if the emotional and physical needs of young people are addressed early, then there will be less concern for how they develop socially and intellectually.

Thank you for the opportunity to voice my concern!

MADELYN HARVEY

City of Hamilton