President Wavel Ramkalawan, First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Roger Mancienne, several Ministers and the Principal Secretary for Social Affairs, Mrs Linda William-Melanie, witnessed the momentous occasion, in the presence of other distinguished guests.
Minister Patricia Francourt, one of several individuals who for many years has been advocating for such a haven for at-risk children, had the honour of laying the foundation stone, alongside President Ramkalawan and the Minister for Education, Dr. Justin Valentin.
The facility will provide a controlled and secured environment, equipped with modern amenities to support and transform the lives of youths with severe anti-social behaviour through an educational and behaviour modification programme, aimed at creating a better future for them.
The Social Affairs Department within the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Education will run the centre jointly, which comprises a residential facility and an educational block for alternative education programme.
Up to 50 teenagers with risky behaviour aged between 12 and 16 years old will be accommodated to receive skills training and mentorship that will enable them to navigate challenges and advance successfully into adulthood.
The Youth Hope Centre is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2026, at a cost 65 million rupees.
