Governor’s Office Allocates $30,000 in Grants for Youth Empowerment

The Governor’s Office, with the backing of UK Funding, has allocated three grants totaling $30,000 to support impactful projects for 13 to 21-year-olds in the British Virgin Islands.

Earlier this year, 12 applications from established non-profit organisations that aimed at achieving the goal of empowering BVI’s youth for a sustainable future, were meticulously assessed by a committee from the Governor’s Office and the BVI Government.

The grants have been awarded to three deserving organisations:

Mentoring Anointed Leaders Everywhere (MALE): This organization will conduct a series of intensive mental health workshops for young men, focusing on fostering better awareness, resolution conflict skills, decision-making and goal-setting skills, mindfulness and meditation, expressive therapy, outdoor activities, group support, coping skills, and self-care.

Road Town Boys and Girls Brigade: The funds will revitalize their programs, including replacing parade flags, drilling equipment, marching drums, and uniforms. The funds will also renew their websites and online store, among other essential elements.

H. Lavity Stoutt Community College: This institution will deliver media production development workshops to empower BVI youth. The workshops will focus on developing skills in characterization, media production, and musical expression through practical exercises and research.

Governor John Rankin CMG met with the successful applicants on December 7 to extend his congratulations. He expressed his delight, saying, “I am delighted to announce today funding for three youth empowerment projects. I know these projects will benefit the lives of young people in the BVI. I am grateful for the very high calibre of applications we received and thank everyone involved.”