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Youth, retirees to spend time together in RAPP

For 20 years, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has been working behind-the-scenes to eliminate the gap between different generations of citizens.

On July 17, The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) announced the relaunch of the Retiree Adolescent Partnership Programme (RAPP) at the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre.

This community-centred initiative, which began in 2004, utilises the skills and expertise of retired professionals to provide mentorship, academic support, and life-skills training to youth aged 10-17. In so doing, the energy of the youth is shared and intertwined with the experience of the elderly to reinforce solid ideas, explore worthwhile philosophies, and encourage positive thinking and growth across the demographics of the population.

In his address, MYDNS Minister Foster Cummings emphasised the importance of community involvement in youth development. He said: “RAPP represents what we grew up and understood to be how the community raises a child. It was not only the parent in the room that had that responsibility for discipline, where the child was concerned, at least in my days.”

Minister Cummings further added, “This problem that we experience is not a government problem. It is a Trinidad and Tobago problem. All citizens are required to play their part.”

The relaunch of the programme marks a significant expansion of RAPP, which will now operate in ten communities across T&T, including five new locations: Point Fortin, Chaguanas, Maloney, Carenage, and St Joseph.

National Service Coordinator at MYDNS, Gachelle Gilkes-Edwards also spoke about the vital role of history and intergenerational knowledge transfer in shaping the nation’s future.

“RAPP, in a very unique way, offers the opportunity for many age groups to provide service to the nation and service to people with national pride,” said Gilkes-Edwards. “It inculcates the culture of service in the younger generations through experience where they witness the service of retired subject matter experts.”

The programme offers a nurturing environment where adolescents receive holistic development, including academic support, life-skills training, remedial assistance, and exposure to extracurricular activities. RAPP operates through community centres and spaces, allowing easy access for participants, volunteers, and service providers.

This expansion will enable:

  • 250 additional students to benefit from intimate mentorship weekly.
  • 25 retired professionals to engage in national service.
  • Over 30 volunteers to assist with programme implementation.

RAPP aligns with the National Youth Policy (2020–2025) and in particular, its fourth pillar, “Creating safe spaces, peaceful communities and environments”.

Minister Cummings highlighted the Ministry’s ambitious goals: “Last year, we impacted the lives of over 13,000 young people in this country. And this year, we are going to triple that.”

He also announced plans for further expansion, aiming to have 20 RAPP centres in full operation by November 2024.

Interested retirees or early retired professionals in education, youth development, sports, psychology, and related areas can apply to become centre facilitators and coordinators through the Ministry’s website.

For more information about RAPP or to get involved, contact Kobe Nathan-Sandy at MYDNS using 612-9367 ext 6009.

—Story and photos courtesy Overtime Media