CARE Programme to Reach Unattached Youth

The HEART/NSTA Trust will this year launch the Community Action for Rewarding Engagement (CARE) Initiative, aimed at reaching young people who are unemployed or not enrolled in a training programme.

Prime Minister, the Most. Hon. Andrew Holness, made the disclosure in his contribution to the 2024/25 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives, on Thursday (March 21).

“HEART will be proactive in finding you and bringing you to the well of training. If our economy is to grow, we need every able-bodied man and woman who is able and capable to enter the labour force,” Mr. Holness said.

Members of Parliament will be asked to identify 30 youth from their constituency using predetermined selection parameters set by the programme.

“A specialised team in HEART will go to their house or meet them on the corner, if necessary, to engage with and enrol them into programmes that will enhance their employability,” the Prime Minister explained.

Mr. Holness advised that youngsters who participate in the CARE initiative will receive a monthly transportation grant of $15,000 to offset transportation costs, which will be tied to their attendance.

Additionally, participants will receive a stipend of $13,000 per week, for the duration of their training.

The Prime Minister noted that some young people may not need extensive training and as such, HEART/NSTA will provide job placement, mentorship and career guidance support as needed.