Sydney Williams is 63 years old with BS Degree, Masters Degree Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. He has 30 years experience in the field of Youth Treatment. Below is an interview of him about his project in Caribbean called: "Bonaventure Boys Home", BBH.
FA: Please tell us about yourself and provide some insights into you background via: illustrative anecdotes, educational experience, work history or any other means that reveal your personality and philosophy;
SW: I have been working with Juveniles in one capacity or another for 30yrs. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree, Master’s Degree and I am a licensed Drug Counselor I have worked adolescents in Mental health, Group Homes, Juvenile Corrections, Juvenile Drug Court and Adolescent Drug Treatment. I believe that everyone needs a voice and an advocate one who cares and understands. I know I am that person from both personal and professional experience I have acquired the knowledge and expertise to help young people overcome much of the hurt and devastation they have experienced so that they may become productive members of society. I cannot take their pain away but I can teach them how to live with it. The term “When life gives you lemons make lemonade” is very true. I believe there is no such thing as a bad child!
FA: Please tell us about your relationship to Bonaventure Home for Boys;
SW: I am now the General Manager of Bonaventure Boys home. I was brought here to help to initiate changes in the Juvenile treatment available here in Cayman. The new approach in not behavior modification, it does not focus on consequences rather it deals with Positive Youth Development and making healthy choices. We assist the youth in identifying their Core issues (those issues that are driving the negative and destructive behaviors that have plagued their lives.)
FA: How does the philosophy behind Bonaventure’s educational system differ from other similar programs? Why is it better?
SW: The Bonaventure education philosophy focuses on smaller individualized attention and low stimulating environments. This is in addition to teaching appropriate social skills and decision making. This is better because for many of our youth their issues have not been addressed early on and many of them are labeled as trouble makers and by the time they have reached High School and Middle School either they have given up on school or the school has given up on them. The teachers at Bonaventure are trained Special Education teachers equipped to deal with difficult behaviors. The Schools would do well to incorporate teachers with this particular skill set on every level and in every school. With us the behaviors are identified and processed by Counselors in both group and individual sessions.
FA: How does this address the needs of community at large, the school system and the Cayman Islands Government?
SW: This approached once embraced should decrease the number of suspensions and expulsions from school. It would also present an inclusive philosophy that says we are able to serve all both the good student and the LD (learning disabled). The end result in the long run is this should decrease the number of youth involve in the justice system.
FA: What do you look for in the projects and partners you choose for your Bonaventure clients to work with?
SW: What we look for from partners in our work is an increased presence of Mental health professionals (Child Psychologist and Psychiatrist) as well as mental health facilities to treat and meet the needs of those in need of evaluation and medications. The services available to the parents and family of these youth need help from Social Services both financially and through counseling services. For this to work the Government has to adopt this philosophy and approach.
FA: How do you see the role of social media and it’s impact on the Bonaventure Home for Boys?
SW: Social media would help to raise the awareness that if not addressed this could or is a National Crisis that is not adequately addressed would result in building more jails and spending more in corrections.
FA: How much do you use social media now and how, personally and with respect to Bonaventure?
SW: I use very little social media at Bonaventure because I am not sure the extent it is already being used on the Island. There are some Television programs who discuss issues however they rarely push sensitive issues that challenge the status quo.
FA: Can education and digital media (video, blogs and social media) influence a digital, cultural revolution? If yes, how so?
SW: I really cannot at this time answer the question as to what influence it would have on the culture.
FA: Do you think social media can help improve their economy and education system?
SW: Yes I think it can improve the economy and education system having said that it would require some prominent stakeholders or citizens to but in.
FA: Where do you see the future leading for youth and education in countries from the Caribbean?
SW: I believe Cayman is on the right track in trying to change the future of their youth we must remember this change is a process and not an event so it will take some time.
