THE principal youth officer responsible for the Island’s youth service has outlined his vision to see the Isle of Man as the best place for young children to grow up.

Ken Callister has taken up the position after being promoted from the post of senior youth officer. He takes over from Mike Clague, who retired in June.

Mr Callister has a budget of more than one million pounds to spend on activities for more than 3,000 young people a week.

He said: "My vision is to see the Isle of Man recognised as the best place there is for young people to grow up and to ensure that young people achieve not only their full potential through formal education, but also enjoy their childhood and navigate their way safely through adolescence into adulthood.

"There is so much to learn about life that can’t be taught in a classroom and this is where youth workers come to the fore. The youth service plays an unassuming, but important, part in helping our children and young people feel part of our community and enjoy growing up here."

The Youth Service operates 19 play clubs, 35 youth clubs and 36 special projects. It also runs Adventure Education and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

Mr Callister continued: "Working with teenagers brings challenges and we are fortunate in having people in our communities that are up for it. I take my hat off to all our staff, who consistently dedicate their time, especially on a Friday and Saturday nights, to being with young people.

"We have a great range of challenging activities and opportunities for young people, from village youth clubs to arts projects such as Soundcheck (for up-and-coming bands), dance and theatre groups, activities in the great outdoors through Adventure Education at Ardwhallan and Eary Cushlin and places to just sit and talk like Cafe Laare."

Latest figures show that 31 per cent of eight to 10 year olds were members of play clubs, 38 per cent of 11 to 13 year olds attended youth clubs and 28 per cent of 13 to 19 year olds took part in clubs and projects.