Youth helping Youth is an approach adopted by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports as part of its outreach initiatives. The agency, through its Youth Workers Program, is currently hosting a series of workshops designed to impart knowledge, skills and materials to young people throughout Saint Lucia’s communities.

Workshop topics included self-care, self love, personal hygiene, teenage pregnancy, gender based violence and healthy relationships. "These topics were chosen because we see a dire need for them, within our communities, and among our young people," said Youth Worker, Nazan Hutchinson. "And at the end of every workshop, we provided a self-care package containing toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, soap, and other personal hygiene items.

Kershia and Vernege, members of the Youth Power Group (YPG) say the information gained during the sessions are vital for learning and personal development.

"We were able to learn about gender-based violence that occurs in different countries as well as in our own. It was an insightful presentation because I was able to learn about things that are going on in the country and laws that are in place. It was indeed a great experience."

The Youth Division aims to ensure there are adequate programs within communities to benefit young persons.

Director of Youth, Mary Wilfred, stressed the importance of reaching the youth at the grassroots level.

"Within the Youth Workers Programme, there are 22 young people in communities, who are currently serving as field workers, and they are able to report on the unique needs of young people. Some communities are more into culture, some are more into music so the different communities have different needs. The field workers communicate those needs to the Ministry, and we respond through the development of appropriate programs," she said.

Youth unemployment, psychosocial challenges and homelessness are just some of the challenges that the division hopes to address, to transform the lives of youth by equipping them with knowledge and coping skills.