The Valley, Anguilla, February 12^th 2006: Efforts have been in place to realise the Youth Empowerment Solutions Conference on Anguilla, the first of its kind to be held on the island. The aim of the conference is to Empower Anguilla’s youth to lead, to make better choices and to resist violence. As William Watkins said, “It’s not God’s will that we should lose a generation of black youth to violence, drugs and prison”.

The program is produced by ManFocus, a Philadelphia faith-based non-profit organization which has a considerable history in working with men and youth involved in the criminal justice
system, with special emphasis on youth.  Pastor Elliot J Harrigan, an Anguillian residing in Philladelphia, USA is the founder and president of ManFocus. The Mission of ManFocus is to create positive alternatives to crime and violence and to create practical programmes to address the problem.

The activities for the Conference Period February 20^th – 23^rd include:

February 20^th – 22^nd :   The Training of 50 youth and 10 advisors for and the Establishment   ‘Youth Crime Watch Anguilla’

February 21^st:       A One day Seminar for Teacher’s –  
                               ‘Teaching in an Environment of Violence’

February 22^nd – 23rd:  – National Conference-

                                    Day 1: Legacy Progress and Consequence

                                    Day 2: Building Resilience in Children

It is anticipated that a wide cross section of the Anguillian Public will register for and participate in the two Day National Conference.  Both days of the Conference will be held at the House of Chadeliers in South Hill from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.   Registration is FREE.  For further information and registration you may contact: James Harrigan on telephone # 581-7918 or Gina Brooks Hodge on 476-4238.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SOUTIONS CONFERNECE
c/o P.O. Box 1388

The Valley

Anguilla

British West Indies