Barbados is witnessing a powerful demonstration of what can happen when international and homegrown partners unite around the development of young people.
Bim Got Talent’s “Up Next Youth Showcase” is gaining significant momentum, with support from organisations, businesses, entertainers, educators, media houses and individuals in Barbados, Canada and the United States — all committed to creating greater opportunities for the next generation.
The programme is sponsored in part and supported by the Division of Youth and the Ministry of Culture, and is designed to train, develop and showcase the brilliance of young people, while connecting them with education, mentorship, internships, employment opportunities and creative platforms.
A major highlight of the initiative has been the collaboration between Bim Got Talent and the New York City Correctional Department Guyanese American Law Enforcement Alliance (NYCDGALEA).
Travelling all the way from New York City, the NYCDGALEA team brought an extraordinary act of generosity to Barbados, providing more than 200 backpacks filled with stationery and school supplies to young people in need as part of the Back To School effort.
The team included Solomon Chester, Jelani Parjohn, Shelly Chase — spokeswoman and organiser, Melissa Jordan, Tiffany Williams, Officer Rene Green — organiser and liaison with Sluggy Dan in Barbados, Betha Forde, Rayann Sansculotte and Corey Thomas.
Message of service
The NYCDGALEA team has expressed its intention to continue its outreach across the Caribbean, taking its message of service and community support from island to island.
Bim Got Talent worked closely with the organisation to spread the word throughout various Barbadian communities and help ensure that children who could benefit from the assistance were reached.
During the outreach Green and Sluggy Dan also introduced young people to the Up Next Youth Showcase, encouraging them to take advantage of the opportunities being created.
Up Next goes beyond simply putting young people on stage.
The developmental programme focuses on training, mentorship, personal development, education, creative expression and showcasing talent, while helping young people build the confidence and skills necessary to navigate their future.
Through partnerships with the National Transformation Initiative (NTI), participants can access a free online learning platform offering more than 15 000 courses, while Randy Eastmond and Quantum Productions are also contributing to the development of strong creative and professional opportunities.
The programme is also receiving support from young Barbadian creatives who understand firsthand the power of opportunity.
Give back as a mentor
Freshie, a Party Monarch finalist and former Bim Got Talent participant and graduate, has returned to give back as a mentor and host. International American actor with Barbadian roots Robert Riley has also fully embraced the initiative and continues to support the development of young Barbadians. For Riley, giving back to his Bajan roots by investing in young people is more than a gesture – it is an opportunity to help ensure that the next generation has access to the encouragement, exposure and support they need to realise their potential. The programme is already building partnerships designed to move beyond entertainment and create tangible pathways for young people.
Hitz 106.7 FM has come on board to provide three months of internship opportunities, while Starcom Network has committed to providing six or more weeks of internships, with additional opportunities expected as the programme develops. These partnerships are intended to give young people practical exposure to the media and creative industries while allowing them to gain valuable experience, build professional networks and discover career possibilities.
Bim Got Talent Creative Director Danico Watson expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming support.
“We are extremely grateful. What we are seeing is bigger than one programme or one organisation. We have people from Barbados, New York, Canada and beyond coming together because they believe in our young people. That is powerful. Our young people don’t just need to be told that they matter – we have to create opportunities that prove it.”
Watson added that the goal is to continue building a network of partners who are prepared to invest in youth development throughout the year. (PR)
The post Bim Got Talent joins forces with New York team appeared first on nationnews.com.