NCF Youth Volunteer Programme Biggest Ever!

Date: July 22, 2022
Subject: NCF youth volunteer programme biggest ever

This year the Crop Over Youth Volunteer Programme saw an overwhelming number of applicants, which resulted in a total of 223 registered volunteers, the highest tally recorded in a number of years.

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) is elated with the turnout and are even happier to know that over 200 of those were repeat registrations; some of who have been with the programme for over a decade.

The Crop Over Youth Volunteer Programme has been a critical part of youth development for 11 years now. It not only provides these individuals with exciting experiences, but also life-long skills and bonds. For some, the programme is an escape from any problems they may be facing in their personal lives, and an opportunity to channel their energy into something positive.

In relation to the programme’s development and hopes for the future, Coordinator Kelly-Ann Gaskin said that she hopes the programme is able to “keep providing opportunities” for the youth of Barbados.

“The programme is highly respected within the community and as such, volunteers are able to use this experience in their job application process. In addition, individuals who are pursuing tertiary level education are able to log their volunteer hours as part of the island’s ‘Give Back Programme’, she said.

The programme held its orientation session on Saturday, June 18th where volunteers were given a brief overview of the programme. Some of the programme’s returning members shared their experiences, as well as the benefits and opportunities they’ve gained from being a part of the initiative.

Sponsors of this year’s programme are Barbados Bottling Co. Ltd., Co- Operators General Insurance, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Barbados Bottling Co. Ltd has collaborated with the NCF for quite some time. Their commitment to the programme has stemmed from existing involvements that span over the course of four decades.

The brand has a long history of sponsoring a number of events throughout the Crop Over season, thus when presented with this opportunity to come on board with such an initiative there was no hesitation.

KFC is another familiar sponsor of the programme with over eight years of collaboration. When asked about KFC’s involvement with the programme, the Managing Director Lisa Davis shared that she believes it is a social responsibility to get involved with initiatives such as these as a means to support the development of culture.

She used the term “brand enculture” which has been coined by the company surrounding their corporate social responsibility. She hopes that the brand is able to get more involved with the programme.

While Co-Operators General Insurance has been involved with the NCF in the past, this is their first time sponsoring the volunteer programme. They saw it fit to come on board as the brand believes the youth are the future and they’re willing to do whatever they can to support them. Co-Operators General Insurance would like to see a continued partnership between the two entities, and will gladly commit to working with the program in the future.

(PR)

[Ends]

For more information please email: toni-yarde@ncf.bb or info@ncf.bb.