Teen Hub St. Thomas a Safe Space for Youth in the Parish

State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Krystal Lee, has hailed Teen Hub St. Thomas as a safe space for young people in the parish.

Established in 2023, the facility is the second of its kind in Jamaica and is based at the Morant Bay Bus Park, offering a wide range of social, educational, and health services to young people.

“It’s a wonderful initiative. It’s not just about their schoolwork, but it touches even on their mental wellness. One young lady spoke about her anxiety issues and how the mentorship at the Teen Hub was able to assist her with that. So, it’s a safe space for them,” Ms. Lee stated.

The State Minister was speaking during a tour of the facility on May 13 alongside United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative for Jamaica, Olga Isaza, Charge’ d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Jamaica, Scott Renner, and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Director in Jamaica, Paul Young.

Ms. Lee commended the St. Thomas Health Department and the administrative staff at the Teen Hub for “the outreach into the schools, bringing the students in (and) touching the various aspects of their lives.”

She stated that the Teen Hub model is one that the Ministry wants to “carry forward” in other parishes.

“We’re seeking the support to do so. These young people are a testament to the excellent work of the team. We’re welcoming all the support so we can roll this excellent initiative out so more youth in Jamaica can benefit from it,” the State Minister said.

Teen Hub St. Thomas is funded by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, UNICEF and the United States Embassy in Jamaica.

The tour of the teen hub comes against the backdrop of May being observed as Child’s Month. It featured a session on conflict resolution and self-awareness, as well as a rap session with the young people and officials.

UNICEF Representative for Jamaica, Olga Isaza, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to Jamaica.

“UNICEF, of course, will remain here. We have been here for more than 40 years now, and we will remain here helping the country, helping the children, elevating their voices,” she stated.

For his part, Charge’ d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Jamaica, Scott Renner, told the youngsters that “I hope all of you are proud of yourselves and realize what you’re doing for Jamaica.”

“The professionals, the adults up here come up with the idea of Teen Hub and the programmes, funding, and support. But…you’re the reason it’s a success, and therefore, other kids in Jamaica are going to get this opportunity because it’s been a success. If you guys had blown this off, not taken it seriously, instead of this meeting, we’d be having a meeting saying, ‘well, I guess Teen Hub just doesn’t work in Jamaica’. So, I hope you’re all proud of what you’ve done as a pilot,” he stated.

In the meantime, Deputy Youth Mayor of Morant Bay and a regular visitor to Teen Hub St. Thomas, Ricardo Buckley, gave a glowing review of the facility during the tour.

“Teen Hub is spectacular; there’s no word that can describe this place. They do community outreach initiatives and even though they are focused on youth, they have also touched parents,” Mr. Buckley, who is a student at the Paul Bogle High School, said.

He described the facility as a pillar of St. Thomas and the Morant Bay metropolitan area.

“Teen Hub has done so much, and they continue to impact lives. It’s not only about printing, but also you get free counselling, you get free STI, STD and HIV testing as well. You are not left out, you are facilitated…you have a nice space that is just so conducive, and they don’t just do something and let you go. Miss Williams [Centre Manager, Chantal Williams] always ensures that you are being catered for constantly. It’s not just a one-time ordeal…you’re being mentored,” Mr. Buckley said