The Bureau of Women's Affairs recognises Takisha Sten-Barnes, for her contribution to youth development.
TAKISHA Sten-Barnes is extremely enthusiastic and passionate about youth development. A people-oriented woman, she is blessed with an abundance of energy and is undaunted by challenges. She is a dedicated mother and avid reader who enjoys cooking and networking.
Barnes was introduced to the National Centre for Youth Development (NCYD) while pursuing a Master's degree in Comparative Politics and Political Theory in 2004 at the University of the West Indies. Instantly her interest was piqued and she decided to volunteer at the NCYD where she started records management and administrative duties. As a result of her dedication to work and her quick grasp of the essential skills, while serving as a volunteer and later as youth empowerment officer, Barnes was promoted as acting director of youth programmes in 2008. Since then, she has been working assiduously to ensure that her staff are trained and certified to improve their professional and personal competence.
"I was motivated to enter youth development because of my daily interaction with the then NCYD team and the exuberance they displayed despite several challenges," she said.
She was also impressed with the youth development programmes which were being offered by the NCYD and the level of youth involvement in these programmes. She was fascinated with the successes of the Prime Minister's National Youth Awards for Excellence and the National Secondary Students' Council in 2004.
A passionate youth advocate, Barnes is currently spearheading the revamping of the Parish and National Youth councils to improve the operating procedures and the impact on national development. As a result of her dedication to youth development, under her leadership, the NCYD has successfully engaged clubs islandwide to participate in consultation towards the constitution of the National Youth Council. They have also utilised the consultative process to amend and ratify the constitution for youth. Through constructive engagement of youth clubs as well as camaraderie and good teamwork of the youth empowerment officers, the NCYD has successfully facilitated the installation of 11 parish youth councils.
Gender issues
Barnes is particularly concerned that several young male visitors to the Youth Information Centre exhibit frequent displays of disrespect to women in general. She is disturbed by the lyrical content of some of the discussions among her colleagues.
""There is a clear misconception among young people about gender, sex and sexuality and as such, what we see evolving is a culture that is oversexed," she said.
Barnes believes that these issues are indicative of problems faced by the society in general. She is confident that the NCYD is poised to facilitate a brighter future for young persons.
Barnes advises young persons who are interested in a career in youth development to get involved through volunteer opportunities that are available.
"Youth work is always in need of dynamic, new persons who are seeking constructive engagement and a fulfilling career," she said.
TAKISHA Sten-Barnes is extremely enthusiastic and passionate about youth development. A people-oriented woman, she is blessed with an abundance of energy and is undaunted by challenges. She is a dedicated mother and avid reader who enjoys cooking and networking.
Barnes was introduced to the National Centre for Youth Development (NCYD) while pursuing a Master's degree in Comparative Politics and Political Theory in 2004 at the University of the West Indies. Instantly her interest was piqued and she decided to volunteer at the NCYD where she started records management and administrative duties. As a result of her dedication to work and her quick grasp of the essential skills, while serving as a volunteer and later as youth empowerment officer, Barnes was promoted as acting director of youth programmes in 2008. Since then, she has been working assiduously to ensure that her staff are trained and certified to improve their professional and personal competence.
"I was motivated to enter youth development because of my daily interaction with the then NCYD team and the exuberance they displayed despite several challenges," she said.
She was also impressed with the youth development programmes which were being offered by the NCYD and the level of youth involvement in these programmes. She was fascinated with the successes of the Prime Minister's National Youth Awards for Excellence and the National Secondary Students' Council in 2004.
A passionate youth advocate, Barnes is currently spearheading the revamping of the Parish and National Youth councils to improve the operating procedures and the impact on national development. As a result of her dedication to youth development, under her leadership, the NCYD has successfully engaged clubs islandwide to participate in consultation towards the constitution of the National Youth Council. They have also utilised the consultative process to amend and ratify the constitution for youth. Through constructive engagement of youth clubs as well as camaraderie and good teamwork of the youth empowerment officers, the NCYD has successfully facilitated the installation of 11 parish youth councils.
Gender issues
Barnes is particularly concerned that several young male visitors to the Youth Information Centre exhibit frequent displays of disrespect to women in general. She is disturbed by the lyrical content of some of the discussions among her colleagues.
""There is a clear misconception among young people about gender, sex and sexuality and as such, what we see evolving is a culture that is oversexed," she said.
Barnes believes that these issues are indicative of problems faced by the society in general. She is confident that the NCYD is poised to facilitate a brighter future for young persons.
Barnes advises young persons who are interested in a career in youth development to get involved through volunteer opportunities that are available.
"Youth work is always in need of dynamic, new persons who are seeking constructive engagement and a fulfilling career," she said.