 | On Monday, July 6, 2026, a group of young Grenadians marked more than the completion of a programme. They celebrated a journey of reflection, personal growth and the opportunity to make different choices for their future. The programme began March 2 and commenced on Jun 29, 2026. |
The graduation ceremony brought the Rotary Club of Grenada’s Youth Empowerment Programme, Project STOP ‘n’ THINK, to a meaningful close following a series of high-impact social skills sessions focused on leadership, personal development, conflict resolution and positive community engagement.
The programme was developed against the backdrop of growing concern surrounding gang-related activity, gender-based violence and the wider impact these challenges can have on individuals, families and communities in Grenada. Rather than waiting for young people to become further caught in cycles of conflict and poor decision-making, the Rotary Club of Grenada sought to create an opportunity for early intervention, mentorship and empowerment.
In partnership with international crime reduction specialist Dr. Neals Chitan of Motiv-8 For Change International, participants were engaged through his flagship community empowerment and behaviour modification programme, Project STOP ‘n’ THINK.
Across 12 high-impact social skills sessions, the young participants explored difficult but important issues, including disrespectful confrontations, impulsive behaviour, uncontrolled anger, crime and violence, and decisions that can lead to irreversible, lifelong consequences.
Identifying and reaching the young people who could benefit from the programme required collaboration beyond Rotary. The Club worked with the Probation Department of the Ministry of Social & Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs and secondary schools, while also using community outreach to identify potential participants.
The goal was not simply to tell young people what choices to make, but to equip them with the social and emotional tools to pause, think and better understand the consequences of their actions.
For the Rotary Club of Grenada, the programme represents an investment in the future of the country’s young people and in the strength of its communities. By creating spaces for honest conversations, mentorship and behaviour change, Project STOP ‘n’ THINK sought to help participants recognise their own potential and see a future beyond the circumstances or challenges they may face.
Monday’s graduation was therefore more than a ceremony. It represented the culmination of months of engagement and a new beginning for the programme’s participants.
While the formal sessions have ended, the programme’s impact is intended to continue. Participants have been provided with materials they can revisit, and continued access to the facilitator will help reinforce the lessons and tools developed throughout the programme.
The Rotary Club of Grenada hopes Project STOP ‘n’ THINK will serve as a catalyst for change, contributing to the social rebuilding of individuals and communities and, most importantly, helping young people unlock the possibilities within themselves.