DYA embarks on Rapid Assessment

The Department of Youth Affairs (DYA) is conducting a Rapid Assessment of Tobago’s youth, geared toward determining and addressing needs in a number of key areas. This assessment commenced on July 1^st, 2020, and will continue throughout the month. The assessment seeks to inform the provision of intervention, training, referrals and support services to young persons between the ages of 18 to 29 years old, as well as youth groups, displaced by the Novel Coronavirus pandemic. Following the collection and analysis of data, support will be facilitated through the Department’s Youth Development Centres and Intervention Unit.

Director of Youth, Ann Marie deGazon, highlighted the rationale behind the assessment and made a call for youth to add their voices to the initiative. She explained, “The Department is positioning itself to proactively respond to youth at this time. We are letting our young people know that they are not alone, and will not be left behind.”

Forms are available in communities across Tobago through DYA field officers, and at the Division’s Youth Development Centres. The assessment can also be completed at the Division of Sport and Youth Affairs’ head office located at Janis Solomon Building, #28 Orange Hill Road, Scarborough. For further information, the Department can be contacted directly via telephone at: 612-DSYA(3792) ext. 1031 or 1034. Youth and youth stakeholders are strongly encouraged to provide their feedback through the assessment. The Division continues to place significant emphasis on the holistic development of Tobago’s youth through policy formation, capacity building  and the creation of safe spaces.