Youth Participants Praise ‘Life-Changing’ Crime and Violence-Prevention Programme

Approximately 650 youth graduated from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and FHI 360 Local Partner Development (LPD) Crime and Violence-Prevention Programme, during a recent ceremony at the Jewel Grande Hotel in Montego Bay, St. James.

The USAID-funded programme, which spanned more than three years, targeted young persons from 30 volatile communities islandwide.
During its implementation, the participants were trained in various skills, including customer service, food and beverage, and electrical installation. They also received psychosocial and mentorship support.

Approximately 109 participants were placed in jobs, while 140 persons received products and other support to start or improve their own micro businesses.

Of the 650 participants, about 90 youth attended the ceremony, during which they were awarded.

They have lauded the programme, describing it as a life-altering initiative, while pointing out that they are ready to spread the word to their peers.

Among the awardees at the graduation ceremony was Grange Hill, Westmoreland resident, Orlando Cooper, who gave a passionate testimonial about his experience.

He indicated that the programme has had a major impact on his life and he remains forever changed by the experience.

“I couldn’t find myself. I had the thoughts [of positivity], but I didn’t have anyone to guide me along the way. I must give thanks to FHI 360 [and USAID]. I am so overwhelmed, I don’t even know how to say thanks properly….” Mr. Cooper said, his voice breaking as he fought to hold back tears.

He thanked all the stakeholders involved in the programme’s execution, noting that he was “in a place of darkness” before his participation, and they provided light with their support.

“[The programme] changed me a lot, it taught me a lot [including] how to manage my anger, have respect for others, know how to talk to people, know how to approach a person. This programme turned me into a man, because I was a just a boy before,” he confessed.

“I can now tell every youth that is looking for a job, not to give up and don’t try to ‘turn down’ yourself because there is always hope, there is always a chance; we must have self -belief, confidence and have an aim in life,” Mr. Cooper said.

For his part, Glendevon, St. James resident, Sammaire Petgrave, also had high praises for the initiative, stating how pivotal his participation has proven to be.

The 25-year old told JIS News that prior to being a part of the programme, his life lacked direction.

“The programme came along and helped me with my anger issues, my thinking towards certain things and gave me an opportunity to work with other youth, socialise and share a lot of similar stories because we are from volatile areas,” he stated.

Mr. Petgrave noted that he and other youth participants are spreading the word about the programme as, “if we can do it, other persons can do it.”

In remarks delivered by Case Officer in the programme, Adenike Stephenson, Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, congratulated the graduates, noting that their participation signifies that they are committed to making a positive change.

“Your dedication and hard work are an inspiration to all of us and urge us to continue to be role models and to serve you in your communities, [and] to influence and promote crime and violence prevention in your communities,” he said.

The Minister underscored that crime and violence remain a major issue which affects everyone, and it is “important that we work together to prevent it.”

He reminded the graduates that it is never too late to make a positive change in one’s life and implored them to remember the importance of setting goals and staying focused on their dreams.

United States (US) Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Nick Perry, in his address, commended the graduates, noting that they performed well despite all the challenges they undergo.

“I am pleased to know that because of USAID’s investments and partnership, 650 youth, including all of you here today, are now more resilient in avoiding crime and violence than you were two years or so ago,” he said.

Mr. Perry noted that the overall USAID LPD programme started in 2017 and is a US$16 million six-year initiative which was designed to “build partnerships between the private sector and the government, implement and sustain effective crime [prevention] initiatives here, in Jamaica.”

Mr. Perry pointed out that the US government is “proud to support initiatives like the LPD that specifically target youth; and we do so because you are the future, not only the future of Jamaica, but the whole world.”

The Jamaican-born Ambassador also encouraged the youth to stay away from crime and violence, as each one of them has the potential to achieve great things, regardless of their backgrounds.

“No one would have believed, if I told them, when I was walking on Maxfield Avenue or Lamont Lane or Whitfield Avenue, that one day I would be the Ambassador of the United States of America, sent back to Jamaica to represent the people of America and the President of the United States. Can you imagine yourself in a position like that as you grow older?” he asked the graduates.

Ambassador Perry also commended the stakeholders who played a role in supporting the participants during the programme.

“Your support has not and will not be in vain, and it’s up to you to make sure of that. On behalf of the United States Government, I would like to thank you. Let us, together, continue to support them,” he said.