Young Barbadians between the ages of 16 and 35 will be able to access discounts from more than 100 businesses on August 12 as part of a new initiative marking International Youth Day.
Youth Discount Day will be the first initiative under a three-year partnership between the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC) and the Small Business Association (SBA).
The organisations signed a memorandum of understanding, Supporting We Own, on Friday at the SBA’s headquarters on Fontabelle, St Michael, aimed at equipping and supporting young people and business owners with skills and opportunities for development.
On Youth Discount Day, young people will be able to receive discounts at participating SBA-member businesses by presenting a valid identification card. The businesses taking part will be announced ahead of the initiative.
SBA chief executive officer Dr Lynette Holder said the partnership would go beyond the discount initiative, with plans for a digital youth discount card, networking opportunities, mentorship and training workshops over the three-year period.
“We want to equip young people with practical skills, leadership experience, leadership competencies. We want to be able to connect the organisations with those that can provide that business development support and mentorship,” Holder said.
BYDC president Caleb Brathwaite said the memorandum demonstrated a shared commitment to youth development in Barbados.
He expressed hope that the partnership would extend beyond its initial three years and establish a framework that could eventually facilitate regional and international collaboration on youth development.
Public relations officer in the Division of Youth Affairs in the Prime Minister’s Office, Wanda Reid-Beckles, said the division welcomed the initiative and remained committed to supporting programmes aimed at young people.
“We want the world to know that we in Barbados have knowledge and are very much on guard for our youth and its development,” she said.
Reid-Beckles also commended the SBA for taking an active role in making the initiative possible.
“It is really important when organisations such as yours step forward and truly become a partner,” she said.
She said the partnership could also strengthen the small business and entrepreneurial ecosystem, while creating more opportunities for young Barbadians.
“We are very excited to see and hear more support coming for young people, for business, and for Barbados’ youth development, because it is through the young people that we know Barbados will thrive,” Reid-Beckles said.
The partners said Youth Discount Day was intended to be the first of several initiatives developed during the three-year collaboration, with further programmes expected to focus on skills development, business support, networking and mentorship. (TH)
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