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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
(BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)
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NASSAU, The Bahamas - Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General, welcomed to Government House young girls from the Ministry of National Security's "Shock Treatment" girls program on Wednesday November 19, 2014. Pictured seated from left: Carlos Reid, Bernadette Christie, Dame Marguerite Pindling, Barbara Cartwright, and WPC Shanique Burrows.
‘Shock Treatment’ is an intervention programme that is intended for specific categories of ‘at risk’ young people who are predisposed to or are already engaged in deviant behaviours that can result in their violation of the laws of The Bahamas.
The programme is part of the Government’s strategy to reduce and control crime throughout the country. Shock Treatment supports both Project Safe Bahamas and Operation Cease Fire which are the key crime-fighting initiatives of the Ministry of National Security.
It is intended that ‘Shock Treatment’would be the catalyst needed to redirect a generation of young Bahamians who are considered “at-risk’ or vulnerable youth between the ages of 10-17 years.
Objectives
• Target and provide positives alternatives for ‘at risk’ youth.
• Focus the youth on the importance of education.
• Instill self worth in vulnerable youth.
Eligibility
Children between the ages of 10-17:
• not currently attending school (i.e. truant, suspended, expelled or dropped out);
• involved in delinquent behaviours (i.e. stealing, insolence to parents and teachers, substance abuse, gang affiliation);
• violent and aggressive behaviours including bullying.
Activities
The activities of the programme will be geared towards inculcating positive attitudes, beliefs and values in our youth which deal with important concepts such as right and wrong, good and bad behaviours, cleanliness, discipline and respect for others and their property.
Participants will interact with police officers who will speak to them about the law and what happens to people who do not obey the laws of society. They will be exposed to prison officers, prison facilities and former offenders who will share their experiences on the consequences of criminal and antisocial behaviour.
The GGYA programme will be the catalyst that will assist the youth in the importance developing a roadmap to the future by:
• Having a positive self image;
• Becoming independent and self-motivating attitude;
• Having sense of responsibility to others;
• Connecting to a broader society;
• New or improved interests;
Mentoring:
Providing strong mentorship for each youth will be the hallmark of this programme. This will be done through the introduction of The ‘Give Every Child a Father’/50 Good men programme. Mentors will be selected from churches, fraternities, communities and civic organizations as well as from the public at large. It is anticipated that this programme will result in lifelong relationships which will benefit both the mentor and the child.
Outreach:
A television series of the ‘Shock Treatment’ programme will be produced and aired on local television stations. This will be done in an effort to reach other “at risk” youth who are in need of such support.
Evaluation
There is a monthly review of the programme with parents, and a quarterly review with each participant to ascertain whether the youth’s behaviour has improved. It is intended that trained social workers along with psychologists and guidance counsellors will be involved in the evaluation process.
Application forms are available at the Ministry of National Security or at the “Shock Treatment” and “Violence Breakers” office located at:
Church House
East Street
Nassau, Bahamas
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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