The President of the Men’s Empowerment Network, Fabian Sargeant, has expressed strong support for a proposal by Barbados’ Minister of Education, Chad Blackman, which mandates all secondary school students to join community-based organizations. Blackman announced on Wednesday his intention to present a paper to Cabinet seeking approval for compulsory participation in such organizations from Year 1 through to graduation. The initiative aims to enhance civic values, leadership skills, and a sense of service among the youth of Barbados. Sargeant, who has a background in community groups, emphasized the transformative impact of such experiences on personal and professional development. He highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and public speaking. Sargeant also pointed out that the program would instill a sense of responsibility and civic pride, encouraging young people to give back to their communities. He argued that community engagement provides practical skills highly valued by employers, such as budget management and communication. Sargeant recalled his own experiences as a parish ambassador in the early 2000s, where he learned the importance of independence and resourcefulness. He believes that the proposed national service model could foster a new culture of youth empowerment and civic engagement across Barbados.