Empowering Youth in St. John: Building Skills, Enterprises, and Sustainable Futures:
- Joseph Cadogan
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
by Joseph Cadogan September 29 2025
The R9 Sustainability Alliance Foundation is excited to announce the upcoming launch of our Economic Empowerment and Social Enterprise Initiative in the parish of St. John, Barbados. This transformative program, seeking funding support from the Sandals Foundation, is designed to unlock new opportunities for young people by equipping them with the tools, skills, and support needed to thrive in today’s economy.
A Vision for Change
St. John is a community rich in cultural heritage, artisanal traditions, and natural resources. Yet, like many rural areas, opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and enterprise growth remain limited. Our initiative seeks to change that by focusing on:
Skills Training – equipping youth with market-relevant skills.
Enterprise Development – nurturing innovative small businesses.
Livelihood Support – strengthening community-based income streams.
Partnering for Greater Impact
To ensure this initiative delivers long-term benefits, R9 Sustainability Alliance Foundation is reaching out to organizations with proven expertise in youth entrepreneurship and enterprise development. We are especially keen on collaboration in the areas of:
Joint Training and Workshops: Practical, hands-on learning that connects theory with real-world applications.
Mentorship and Apprenticeships: Linking youth with experienced entrepreneurs and technical trainers.
Community Skills Development: Building strong foundations in youth-led business ventures at the grassroots level.
Building Together
We believe that by working together, we can create a ripple effect of empowerment—where trained youth become job creators, innovators, and leaders in their communities. This is more than a program; it’s a movement to ensure the future of St. John is sustainable, resilient, and driven by the potential of its people.
Join Us
As we prepare to launch, we invite partners, supporters, and community members to join hands with us. Together, we can strengthen this initiative, inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, and build a brighter, more inclusive future for St. John and beyond.
Comments