Bonaire focuses on prevention: meeting aims to steer vulnerable youth away from crime

KRALENDIJK – Bonaire is working to offer vulnerable youth an alternative to crime and violence. To that end, the Public Entity organised a special Kompas meeting on Monday, bringing together young people, parents and care providers at Jong Bonaire to discuss the prevention of gun-related violence.

The aim of the Kompas meeting was to offer perspective and create an alternative path for young people at risk of sliding into crime and violence. Under the motto ‘From vulnerable to perspective’, participants discussed responsibility, safety, future opportunities and making positive choices.

During the meeting, Governor John Soliano encouraged the young people to make positive choices for their future. ‘We can do a lot for you, but ultimately the decision is also yours. You can choose to follow the right path’, said the Governor.

In addition, two people with lived experience (school dropouts) and two community police officers shared their personal stories with the audience. Attention was paid to the consequences of violence and crime, but also to the importance of guidance, support and opportunities for change. Plenchi di Trabou (the employment office) provided the young people with advice on work and study options.

First, the young people and their parents were spoken to. Afterwards, a multidisciplinary care team engaged with those present, ready to offer immediate and appropriate help to young people in need of support. In total, twenty-two young people had registered for this programme. During the Kompas meeting, data on these young people was collected. Following the meeting, the organisations involved will jointly discuss next steps to support the youth in breaking negative patterns and creating new opportunities for their future.

Broad collaboration

Through this joint policy, the Public Entity of Bonaire, the Directorate of Community and Care, and their partners – FORMA, SGB, Akseso, the Safety House, KPCN (community police) and the Guardian Council – aim to contribute to the prevention of gun-related violence among youth and to invest in a safer future for Bonaire.