Several young men who previously dropped out of school while involved in gangs have graduated from the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE), following rehabilitation efforts launched about two years ago.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the development Thursday, congratulating the graduates and pointing to their progress as evidence that young people involved in gangs can be redirected through education and sustained intervention.

“A few former gang members who dropped out of school and were rehabilitated by us a couple years ago, graduated from ABICE yesterday,” Browne wrote in a social media post.

He called for greater involvement from the private sector, churches and wider civil society in programmes aimed at tackling youth crime, violence and delinquency.

The graduation follows efforts that began after Browne met with young gang members amid concerns about escalating violence. At the time, plans included enrolling school dropouts in second-chance education and skills programmes at ABICE.

ABICE, also known as the Harrison Centre, provides technical and vocational training in areas including automotive services, carpentry, electrical installation, plumbing, welding and refrigeration and air conditioning.

Browne said the latest graduates demonstrate the potential for rehabilitation and argued that more coordinated interventions are needed to address the circumstances contributing to youth involvement in crime and violence.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Browne Congratulates Former Gang Members on ABICE Graduation.