Training Programme for at Risk Youth to be Implemented

Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid has announced the implementation of a pilot programme which is aimed at providing education and training for disengaged students in vulnerable communities.

He made the announcement at a University of the West Indies, Western Jamaica Campus (UWI-WJC) event at Sandals Montego Bay on Friday May 20

Senator Reid said the initiative will fall under the umbrella of the Career Advancement Programme (CAP), and is geared towards youth in the 16 to 24 age group.

He further informed that the project- Career Advancement Programme (CAP) Youth Employment Solution will focus on providing opportunities for students residing in five parishes that are affected by crime.

“The pilot will cater for 500 students and will run from October 2016 to July 2017. This programme will focus on literacy and numeracy skills, occupational training, discipline-para-military and employability -life coping skills,” Senator Reid stated.

He pointed out that the pilot programme will be implemented by the Caribbean Maritime Institute.

Some, 150 students each from St. James, Kingston and St. Andrew will benefit, while St. Catherine will have 50, Clarendon 100 and 50 from Westmoreland.

“We anticipate 80 per cent of the target group to continue working, participate in apprenticeship, or pursue higher education,” Senator Reid said.