Ameen: UNC will protect, empower youth

Speaking at a campaign meeting in Siparia on April 14, UNC Deputy Leader Khadijah Ameen pledged a future United National Congress (UNC) government would prioritise children and youth in national development.

She said many young people are "falling through the cracks" due to the People's National Movement’s (PNM) mismanagement and neglect, but under the UNC, sustainable employment opportunities would be created for the nation's youth.

Ameen said youths are often both the perpetrators and victims of crime, and many who become involved in criminal activity are products of a failed system.

She stressed the importance of school safety, saying the UNC would assign full-time police officers to every school, ensure all classrooms are secure, and retool the Ministry of Education so all students can benefit from educational opportunities.

She proposed universal screening and treatment for children between the ages of four and six, which would assess neurodevelopmental, physical, mental, and socio-economic well-being to detect issues early.

Ameen believes children become violent or fall behind academically due to undiagnosed learning disabilities or troubled home environments. She stressed with the right care and early intervention, such outcomes can be prevented.

"The UNC would ensure schools are properly equipped to support students and staffed with guidance counsellors, school social workers and clinical and behavioural psychologists who can provide necessary services for both students and teachers."

Ameen criticised the Children's Authority as under-resourced and called for a review and strengthening of its regulatory and oversight functions to better protect children.

Ameen said a UNC government would revive the laptop distribution programme, expanding it to include tablets for all primary school students and emphasising the importance of catering to diverse student interests and skills.

She announced plans to establish a technical university and integrate technical and vocational training into secondary schools. Ameen also stressed the need for stronger school support systems, promising every school would have security personnel, deans of discipline and safety officers.

Addressing teacher shortages and rising violence against educators, Ameen proposed mandatory annual physical and medical screenings for all students, conducted by medical professionals to detect early signs of abuse, substance use, malnutrition and illnesses.

Ameen said the UNC recognises the pressures faced by working parents and announced the establishment of parental support groups, particularly for single parents and families affected by violence.

“Many parents are forced to work long hours, sometimes more than one job. By the time they get home, they’re exhausted and can barely care for their children. We must ensure no one falls through the cracks.”

She stressed the importance of faith-based organisations in national healing and crime prevention. She said if her government is elected, it would create a dedicated fund to support weekly community mentoring and guidance programmes through churches, mosques, temples, and other religious institutions.

“There is a role for every faith in saving our nation,” she said.

Touching on crime, Ameen discussed a dual approach. A soft approach which focuses on giving children opportunities that keep them away from gangs through education, mentorship, sports, culture, and entrepreneurship.

She criticised the current PNM, pointing to what she believes is rising youth unemployment and said young people are graduating with degrees but cannot find jobs.