There are many issues that threaten the safety and survival of Belizean youths and in order to address these issues the youths themselves need to be involved in that process. The Sustainable and Child Friendly Municipalities Initiative seeks to do just that; to foster an environment where youths can express themselves and develop into productive citizens and leaders. It is quite an ambitious task but Darrell Bradley tells us how this initiative will empower Belizean youths.
Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City
"What the initiative is the Sustainable and Child Friendly Municipalities initiative, it's really a certificate. It's actually a way that we would keep municipalities accountable. we often times done this at the municipality level and several of the speakers spoken about this, we are talking about streets, we are talking about parks, but it's really more than that - its creating a wholesome environment where our young people can, they can be engaged in decision making. They can be made to feel empowered, that they are listened to and they are actually participating meaningfully in the advancement of themselves and their communities. The project challenge us as a municipality to open up our dialogue and our conversation to encourage and incorporate young people in the decision making part of it so that they feel empowered and engaged."
Leah Dakers, SCA
"I think it is important because we young people we are outspoken and we have a lot of opinions about why they should include us n certain decisions that benefit Belize and the people of Belize."
Chioma Williams, Anglican Cathedral College
"I am thankful that they brought us here together for this presentation and it was a great presentation. As a Belizean youth it means a lot to me and all of the Belizean youths here today because it not only states that it want to involve us in like being a part of what they want, but it's like creating a connection and being together and working with them along with just involving all the youths in Belize."
Joliker Leandre, Anglican Cathedral College
"It means a lot because the areas that we live in is mostly gang populated and to hear that there the opposition care about us to have a movement for us to be able to walk the streets and go about freely without having to look over our shoulders or to wonder who is coming after us or something. I think it's a good movement and if successful it could bring a big change to the country."
Shanique Sebastian, Anglican Cathedral College
"It will have a very big impact because one; me as a Belizean it means a lot for us because we don't really like have to worry. We can be carefree, we don't have to worry about what's going to be on the lane or we won't have to be in house and it's going to be a great impact on us."
Again, no timeline for implementation was discussed.
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