Crime and violence initiatives continue in CARIFORUM: At risk youth targeted for animation and Digital Media Training in Suriname

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana, 9 October 2019)  An animation and digital workshop targeting At-Risk Youth opened on 8 October 2019 in Surname, as part of the interventions of the Crime and Violence Project (CVP)_ Component of the CARIFORUM-EU Crime and Security Programme, under its Tenth European Development Fund.  Similar training will be done in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

 This activity which runs until 11 october 2019, is being conducted by Animae Caribe at the Digital Talents Academy. The Academy is  providing administrative and technical support; so is  the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) through its trainers from its Animation Department. The training is certified by the UTT.

 According to the Project Manager of the CVP, “the overall objective of the training is to create opportunities for at-risk youth, including incarcerated youth in CARIFORUM.

“Training in animation and other digital media tools, even at the introductory level, will enhance their chances of becoming creative and productive 21st century citizen”, he said

 Deputy Programme Manager for Culture, Riane Dehaas-Bledoeg said –

“the training sessions across the three countries   were `hands on’ and so designed to engage and inspire at-risk youth, including incarcerated youth between 15-29 to pursue a career in the animation industry.”

Noting the Caribbean’s unique position to benefit from international export of its culture and creativity through digital media and animation, the Deputy Programme Manager shared that the Secretariat has been collaborating in raising awareness on animation and digital media in the Region and has promoted the use of animation in learning environments, public education and safeguarding cultural heritage.

The CARIFORUM-EU Crime and Security programme’s approach to tackling crime and security focuses on drug demand and supply reduction, crime prevention and social development, and capacity-building of law enforcement and security agencies.

Source: CARICOM TODAY