From the Caribbean to Chorley: We Welcome Education Minister from the British Virgin Islands
At Inspire Youth Zone, we often talk about the power of opening doors for young people. This time last week, we had the privilege of welcoming a visitor who is working to do exactly that on an international scale.
We were delighted to host Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sport for the British Virgin Islands, during a special visit to Chorley.
After hearing about us and the impact we have across our community, Minister de Castro felt it was something she simply had to see for herself.
A former teacher, Minister de Castro entered politics at just 28 years old with a clear mission: to create meaningful change within the education system and ensure that young people in the British Virgin Islands have every opportunity to succeed. Today, she is leading a movement
focused not only on education, but also on creating alternative pathways and opportunities for young people who may otherwise be left behind.
Having learned about the work taking place at Inspire Youth Zone through Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle and previous conversations with local leaders, Minister de Castro was keen to experience first-hand how our model works, the impact it has on young people and families, and how similar approaches could potentially be developed within the British Virgin Islands.
During the visit, we shared how Inspire Youth Zone brings together young people, businesses, public sector organisations, schools, funders and supporters to create a safe, inspiring and accessible place where young people can thrive. The discussion focused on the unique partnership funding model that makes Youth Zones possible, as well as the long-term community impact that comes from investing in young people before challenges become barriers.
The visit also provided an opportunity to showcase the incredible work of our team, volunteers, patrons and supporters, all of whom play a vital role in helping thousands of young people access opportunities, build confidence, develop skills and realise their potential.
Joining Minister de Castro was Jamie Anderson, CEO of the Parliamentary Knowledge Foundation, who has been supporting conversations around youth development, education and community impact.
It was inspiring to hear about the ambition, passion and commitment being shown to young people in the British Virgin Islands, and equally humbling to know that the work taking place here in Chorley is helping to spark ideas that could influence communities far beyond our own.
At Inspire Youth Zone, we believe every young person deserves somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. Seeing that vision resonate across continents reminds us just how powerful investing in young people can be.
We would like to thank Minister de Castro, Sir Lindsay and Jamie for taking the time to visit us, and we look forward to following their journey as they continue to champion opportunities for young people in the British Virgin Islands.
