Young adults across the Virgin Islands are invited to participate in the upcoming Link Up to Level Up sessions following a strong turnout at the initiative's inaugural event held on June 17.

The series was developed by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, through the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYAS), and is a new approach to youth engagement, creating dedicated spaces where young people can share their experiences, discuss challenges, identify opportunities and help shape the programmes and resources that impact their lives.

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro said the initiative builds on the ministry's commitment to listening directly to the people it serves.

Honourable deCastro said, “Link Up to Level Up is about engaging directly with young adults across the Territory. We want to hear from them what is working, what is not working, the challenges they face and the opportunities they want to see created.” The minister added, “These conversations are about more than listening; they are about ensuring that young people have a voice in shaping the future of the Virgin Islands and helping us better plan, invest and respond to their needs and aspirations.”

Director of Youth Affairs and Sports Mrs. Debra Hodge said the positive response to the first session demonstrated that young people are eager to contribute to meaningful conversations about the future of the Territory.

Mrs. Hodge added, "The first session brought together a diverse group of young people who were willing to share their perspectives, experiences and ideas. Their participation reinforced the importance of creating spaces where youth feel heard and where their feedback can contribute to real action."

Unlike traditional consultations, Link Up to Level Up is designed as an interactive after-hours mixer where participants engage in facilitated discussions and activities in a relaxed environment. The initiative operates in two phases. The first phase focuses on gathering feedback directly from youth, while the second phase will use those insights to inform programmes, resources and opportunities aimed at addressing the needs identified throughout the series.

The initiative also seeks to strengthen the relationship between youth and government, identify emerging community leaders and ensure that opportunities and resources are informed by the realities facing young people throughout the Territory.

Upcoming sessions include:

• Disruptors – June 29 at Forge BVI, Tortola Pier Park

• Game-Changers – July 1 at Forge BVI, Tortola Pier Park

All sessions begin at 5:30 p.m.

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 are encouraged to attend the session that best reflects their interests and experiences. Additional sessions for Anegada and Jost Van Dyke will be announced at a later date.

Persons interested in participating can register through the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and follow the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports and DYAS social media platforms for updates.