MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, has urged young people to recognise their worth, stand firmly in their beliefs and use their voices and choices to help shape stronger families and communities.
Persaud made the call as the Family Enhancement Services Section (FESS) brought together approximately 100 young people from communities across Region Four on Tuesday for an interactive session to mark International Youth Day 2026.
Held under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” the engagement focused on empowering young people to build confidence, resilience and a stronger sense of self. International Youth Day 2026 is observed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Persaud engaged participants in candid discussions on self-empowerment and resilience, encouraging them not to surrender their power to others and to make decisions that bring them closer to the future they envision.
She emphasised that young people have an important role to play in building stronger families and communities, stressing that their voices, ideas and aspirations must be heard, supported and nurtured.
The Minister encouraged the youths to remain confident in who they are and what they believe, while recognising the potential they possess to influence positive change in their communities.
The engagement forms part of FESS’s ongoing efforts to support young people as they navigate challenges, develop resilience and become more confident and active contributors to their communities.
The Ministry said empowering young people to believe in themselves can have an impact extending beyond individual development, contributing to the transformation and strengthening of communities.
The International Youth Day observance provided an opportunity for youths from across Region Four to engage directly on issues affecting their development while reinforcing the importance of their participation in shaping their communities and future.