A sneak preview

The publication, entitled 'Building the Future Today', is currently being printed in Guyana and will be officially launched during the week of November 6.

'Building the Future Today' is intended for the use of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations and others working in the field of youth empowerment, youth affairs and related areas. It may be freely copied, reproduced or quoted by any of these intended users, provided that full and clear acknowledgement is given of the author as its source.

"Helping young people in the Caribbean to realize their abilities and aspirations", is how Charles describes his main mission as Regional Director of the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Caribbean Centre.

Forty-eight-year-old Charles took office at the CYP Caribbean Centre, based in Georgetown, Guyana, in September 2005 following a career in youth work, Trade Unionism and social development in his native Saint Lucia.

He feels that, "youth participation in national development is critically important. So too is the development of their social and political consciousness. We need to nurture the young people so that they, in turn, can contribute meaningfully to their societies."

Charles is particularly concerned about vulnerable young people; the victims of economic marginalisation and social exclusion who have been condemned to a life cycle of persistent poverty.

"Existing systems and programmes should be re-positioned and redefined to  adequately meet the needs of young people and to avoid their alienation from the main stream society. We need to work with them on issues such as human rights so that they will understand that a rights-based approach is an integral part of sustainable development," he said in a recent comment on his vision for youth development in the Caribbean.