For many years, young people of The Bahamas have not been given the attention that is due to them. The constant statement made by individuals from national agencies, churches, and organizations is that “something must be done to help our youth.”
Over 5,000 young people leave high school each year, with few of them entering higher education. While some enter the workforce, the youth unemployment rate stands at a dismal 34%. With employment issues discouraging young people, social issues continue to rise. Crime and violence appear to be devasting this age group. Drugs and alcohol are a major problem. STIs, HIV/AIDS, and unplanned pregnancies are rising considerably.
Marginalized and rejected, Bahamian youth seem to feel a sense of hopelessness, with 22.7% of secondary school students experiencing serious thoughts of suicide and 10.6% admitting to attempting suicide at least once. There is also a lack of unity, as tensions between ‘Bahamians’ and ‘Haitians’ boil over to violence.
The largest population in The Bahamas is between ages 13 and 30
The youth unemployment rate stands at a dismal 34%
40.4% of students were in a physical fight one or more times in the past year
What We Do
We bring youth together by engaging, enabling, and empowering them to thrive and flourish through developing a unified identity in Christ and positive activities. It is about being intentional to develop youth, growing their capacity, experiences, and love for self, God, and each other. These programs promote positive outcomes by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and giving the support that is needed to develop young people’s assets.
Challenge What’s Possible Sports Camps
Challenge What’s Possible (CWP) Sports Camps are multi-day, multi-sport camps hosted by experienced coaches and players for both male and female athletes. Designed with a Christian emphasis, this program provides outstanding instruction, skill development, and athletic competition in a team environment. Each day, Biblical teaching is provided and the camp is covered in prayer. This also includes a session for local coaches, as resourcing these coaches is important for the long-term success of the players and teams after the camp.
Growth Groups
Growth Groups (G2) is a program we support through the Bahamian Youth Network (BYN) by equipping resources and personnel support. Targeting the youth population, teenagers gather with leaders for small group discussions to talk about how to follow Jesus and live out faith in the real world. Relationships are deepened, providing youth with encouragement, strength, and healthy activities to grow as Christ’s disciples. We provide small group leaders, teaching time, and general support to the BYN to run this program.
Youth Baseball
Started and supported by locals, we strengthen this program by providing college-level coaching experience and providing Christian-based devotions after practice. We also have taken the lead in finding and providing the needed equipment for the players, as most do not have the appropriate gear for a full baseball game.
