Youth Learn Conflict Resolution Strategies

Details

police

Saturday, 18 August 2012 02:30

By caribarena news

Antigua St. John's - Police spokesperson Senior Sergeant William Holder is confident that scores of young people are far more capable of handing conflicts without resorting to violence.

Around 80 of them between the ages of 10 and 16, on Friday, concluded a one-week summer programme that taught them about conflict resolution among other issues.

Snr. Sergeant Holder said it was critical to target the youth early in light of the high number of inmates under the age of 30 who are in prison.

He estimates that those in that age group comprise the majority of the 352 prisoners currently incarcerated at Her Majesty’s Prison.

"Even within the school system a number of young people are getting into fights and we are holding to the concept that it's easier to model a child than to repair a man because it's so difficult," he said.

During the one-week programme held at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, participants were exposed to positive role models such as the country's only living national hero and cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards.

Another role model was Antiguan broadcaster James “Sly J” Simon who informed the group about his life’s experience and the mistakes he has made.

"Most of those topics were on areas that would help them to make the right choices and set examples and goals," Snr. Sergeant Holder explained.

The third installment of the summer camp was held with assistance from the Transport Board, FBO 2000 and other companies.

"The businesses came on board and provided food items worth $8,000. Even Sunshine Ice Cream came on board. It came at almost no cost. We didn't charge a registration fee," he added.

The PRO said the fact that no registration fee was charged allowed equal opportunity to children from different backgrounds to attend the camp.

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