UN AND ST. KITTS DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PARTNER ON SDGs

The United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean has lauded ongoing efforts by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to strengthen awareness of the 2030 agenda, accelerate SDG implementation, and create a sustainable future for all citizens and residents through its Sustainable Island State Agenda.

Specifically, the UN recognized the Department of Youth Empowerment for integrating the SDGs into the 41st edition of its annual Summer Residential  Camp, under the theme “41 Years of Summer Camp embedded in our souls; Let’s Protect its’ Future by Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”. The two-week camp targeted children ages 8 to 16 years, from low-to-middle income neighbourhoods, who typically would be unable to participate in such activities, without Government subsidization. 

Reflecting on the UN’s support, UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springett said the UN recognizes the importance of youth to achieving the SDGs and commends the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis for supporting youth and fostering youth engagement. 

This initiative can serve as a model for both educating young people, but also for learning from the ideas and experiences of youth. I wish also to applaud these young campers for their creativity and willingness to put the SDGs into action," he added. 

In keeping with this year’s theme, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office supported  sensitization sessions on the SDGs and the Sustainable Island State Agenda at the camp, educating campers about their role in environmental protection, showing respect and tolerance for others and responsible consumption (energy, food, and water) while at camp. They were also encouraged to become SDG advocates applying these values at home, school, and in their respective communities. Support was also provided to an SDG Dorm Door Decoration Competition, with gift baskets awarded to winning male and female dorms. 

A competitive SDGs Quiz, which featured five teams representing the five SDGs Pillars – People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace and Partnerships, was also among the camp’s highlights. The exercise sought to evaluate participants’ knowledge of the SDGs, as well as their understanding of how, as young people, they could contribute to the sustainable growth and development of St. Kitts and Nevis for generations to come. While the “Partnerships” team eventually emerged victorious, and received SDG-branded gold medals, all participants were winners, by virtue of their demonstrated knowledge and appreciation for SDGs, as well as their pledge to apply them in their everyday life.

Director of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Camp Coordinator, Mrs. Sahira Joseph, thanked the UN for its support for Summer Camp 41, while citing plans for extending the SDG sensitization among youth. 

“We confidently believe that even if our Campers were exposed to information surrounding the SDGs prior to Camp, their knowledge and eagerness to support has definitely increased. They thoroughly enjoyed each activity but the icing and highlight for them was certainly the SDG Quiz. Campers would have stated themselves just how fun and exciting that evening was. We are hopeful to have that experience again with a new group of youth across more programming set for the remainder of 2024,” she stated.

The UN RCO extends its gratitude to the Director of the Department of Youth Empowerment and her team for coordinating the camp and for their strong partnership. Special thanks are also extended to Mr. Cosbert Woods, UN Country Coordination Officer in St. Kitts and Nevis and to Ms. Nekirah Nicholls, UN Youth Advisory Group representative for St. Kitts and Nevis , for ably facilitating the sensitization sessions and SDGs Quiz.