Allegations of misconduct at C.Y.D.P. Camp

The Conscious Youth Development Programme has been providing camps for children who are considered ‘at risk’ youths since 2008. The camps which include overnight activities are designed to inspire the youths to improve their lives. So allegations of sexual assaults and misconduct involving those in charge of the camps give the organization a black eye and also discourage participation. And an allegation has surfaced that a fourteen year old girl was involved in a sexual encounter during a one week event between August second and ninth at Camp Oakley in Burrell Boom Village. News Five has received a report that one of the supervisors at the camp, a paramedic on training, had sexual relations with the young girl. But while Director of C.Y.D.P., Superintendent Edward Broaster could not confirm our information, he admitted that there is a police investigation ongoing about other allegations that occurred during the venture.

Superintendent Edward Broaster, Director, C.Y.D.P.
“There were reported incidents of misconduct, and a couple of the personnels who we considered staff at that time and we are in the process of investigating that matter. Not sexual engagement with minors. There was one story that was fabricated as far as I know the information has revealed thus far.”

Marion Ali
“There is the allegation from a minor who went on the trip who spoke with us at Channel Five that she observed one of the medics on training engaged in sexual activity with a fourteen year old minor. And she said she observed this. Have you gotten that report and if not, then how will you pursue the allegation?”

Superintendent Edward Broaster
“I’m not aware of that one, as a matter of fact, we have the Police investigating the entire incident because of the allegation that had came to our attention by one of our staff, which turned out to be false. The misconduct that we are investigating is assault by female on female and a sexual incident between staff. We had seven persons who took turns to patrol and ensure that everything was in order at the camp. And it just happened that the medic who is allegedly reported in whatever allegation was one of those on duty to do these rounds.”

Marion Ali
“How can you assure parents that these people you put there to supervise their children are indeed trustworthy?”

Superintendent Edward Broaster
“Right, and we’re going to have to look at our policy and the way we had enlist those individuals to be staff and in that position of trust, so that we don’t have this—any incident of this sort repeat itself on any of our camp in the future. Those who have breached the rules and regulations of the camp will be dealt with.”

Marion Ali
“Dealt with how?”

Superintendent Edward Broaster
“Disciplinary-wise, what have you.”

Marion Ali
“Banned from attending future camps?”

Superintendent Edward Broaster
“If that’s what it will require for us to restore confidence in parents and so forth, yes that will be a consideration.”

Broaster says the investigation on the reports should be completed by next week. He says this is the first time that any allegation has reached his desk about a C.Y.D.P camp. The allegation was made by another student who attended the camp.