A $14 million state-of-the-art residential facility designed to house and support foster children officially opened at Holders Hill, St James, on Saturday, marking a significant expansion of Barbados’ child protection infrastructure.
The Young People’s Village at Holders, developed by the Barbados Children’s Trust, will accommodate teenagers aged 12 to 18 and aims to transition residents from the more structured environment of the Nightingale Children’s Village into a setting that promotes independence and life skills. Set on just under three acres, the facility comprises a residence, activities centre and sports pavilion, with capacity for 37 young people and residential staff.
The design incorporates dormitory-style accommodation for younger residents, while older teens benefit from more independent living arrangements, including private bedrooms and shared living spaces.
Addressing the opening, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Adrian Forde said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable youth and ensuring no child falls through the cracks.
He thanked donors for their contribution to what he described as a life-saving initiative.
Forde stressed that young people must be treated as rights holders, not passive recipients of care, adding: “The words endless possibility must now be imbued in our young people.”
He said the facility would serve as a platform to equip residents with practical skills, including maintenance, landscaping and culinary training, while also promising the addition of a recreational park to further enhance the environment.
The minister outlined a broader national strategy focused on preventative intervention, arguing that exposure to structured opportunities and supportive environments reduces the likelihood of harmful behaviours and improves long-term outcomes. He also pointed to the ongoing expansion of social services across communities, particularly in St Michael, aimed at delivering support with greater accessibility and care.
The residence includes a central kitchen and laundry designed for both domestic use and commercial-style training, allowing residents to gain hands-on experience in food preparation and operations. Additional features include a beauty salon for hair and grooming skills, with plans for a woodworking workshop to introduce practical trades. Dedicated support spaces such as a doctor’s office, social worker’s office and reflection room form part of the integrated care model.
Outdoor amenities include courts for netball, volleyball, basketball and road tennis, along with a floodlit football field, reflecting a deliberate emphasis on physical activity as part of behavioural development. The compound remains fully secured with perimeter fencing, surveillance systems and controlled access, ensuring a safe and structured environment for residents.
The facility was set up in partnership with the Barbados Children’s Trust, a non-profit company and the Social Empowerment Agency. (SZB)
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