An international grouping is hoping to use performing arts, along with life-changing messages, to transform the lives of young people in Barbados and positively impact their communities.
Impact World (IW), a body of performing arts, sporting and musical groups, is partnering with the Government, businesses, organisations, churches, schools and other concerned citizens to put together a series of events to achieve this goal.
Imran Richards, one of the organisers, said the decadence and deviance being seen in society of late begged for an immediate intervention in schools, communities and families.
The Barbados campaign will feature some 70 volunteers who make up GX International, Team Xtreme and Island Breeze. These groups comprise young adults from around the world, whose unique style of entertainment is the tool they use to motivate and inspire young people to adopt a lifestyle that is wholesome.
GX will be hosting a dance workshop for those into hip hop and break dancing on Saturday in collaboration with Community Dancefest.
Dance and song
Team Xtreme is a group of world-class athletes, conditioning experts and power lifters. Whether it is bending steel bars or breaking bricks with their bare hands, they use their prowess to sensitise youth to the dangers of drugs and alcohol, while encouraging them to live honestly and morally.
Island Breeze features performers from places such as Samoa, Hawaii and Tonga, who showcase the culture of the Pacific through dance and song.
Impact World shows are being held at primary and secondary schools throughout this week and on weekends at various venues across the island. The main shows take place at Kensington Oval March 22 to 25. All events are free.
Joel McGill, international development coordinator of Impact World, told the MIDWEEK NATION that plans for the event had been in the making for three years. He believed it would help “spark something more relational and culturally relevant among the youth”.
The campaign aims to reach those under 18 years old because, McGill said, most youth did not have a solidified world view and were receptive to change.
Local chairman of Impact World Barbados, Timothy Arthur, who has been working with a dedicated group of volunteers to organise the event, said there was a role for everyone.
Paul Hynam and Arnold “Gozzy” Gosling, who are part of the planning team, witnessed the tremendous benefit Impact World derived by the youth of St Vincent and anticipated a similar outcome or Barbados. (PR)