Biography

Sylvia Wilks, a Caymanian national, is the founder of Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium, a non-profit youth development organization with the aim of implementing asset-building (strength-based) programmes for the youth of the Cayman Islands. With twenty-two years of experience in youth development work, Ms. Wilks has worked in Christian education, residential care and programmes with at-risk youth. Holding an Associate in Social Studies, Ms. Wilks is an Accredited Mediator and Child Abuse prevention facilitator. Her field work in Cayman's most vulnerable communities during the National Assessment of Living Conditions (Poverty Assessment), has led her to develop asset-building initiatives and programmes to improve the outcome of Cayman's youth. She is Cayman's first Youth Asset Advocate.

Article Title

Social Policy & Asset Building

Abstract

The Caribbean Diaspora has created for all the countries within the Caribbean basin a unique set of commonalities and identities that make it a great place to visit and reside. Among the commonalities of our language and culture are experiences in our past that keep us closely linked, despite globalization and economic impact on our shores.

As we closely examine the socio-economic situation of each of these countries, one thing is certain, the decisions and policies of those in power has either created for its people opportunities for growth, development and employability, or has exasperated poverty and marginalization.

Based on research conducted by the Search Institute, there are 40 positive things that every child need to lead successful lives. These assets include personal traits as well as support, empowerment and bonding to community, school and family. This framework encourages communities to come together to promote and foster assets in all youth. Considering that these assets help our young people to succeed, we need to purposefully plan for the success of our young people and hold our policy makers accountable for fostering the environment and providing the support to make this materialize.