Green Paper on Revised Youth Policy to be Tabled by September

Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, says a Green Paper on the revised National Youth Policy could be tabled in Parliament by September.

Miss Hanna, who made the disclosure while contributing to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 18, said the Concept Paper and Cabinet Submission are to go to the Human Resource Committee of Cabinet before the end of this month.

She noted that the policy development process is expected to be completed by August this year.

The Minister informed that the review of the policy is in response to the changes within the policy environment and the need to take into account the emerging issues that affect youth development nationally.

The National Youth Policy places focus on entrepreneurship, skills training and preparing young people for the world of work in the global village. It is also expected to provide insight into developmental models and programmes for young people.

Revision of the policy is being informed by the findings of the 2010 Jamaica National Youth Survey, which was commissioned by the Government under the Youth Development Programme loan agreement signed with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Conducted by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), the survey provides a holistic profile of young people age 15 to 24 years, and seeks to aid in the strengthening of existing programmes designed for youth development throughout the island.

It focuses on, among other things, unattached youth; young people living and working on the street as well as those in state care; young people with disabilities; entrepreneurial and employment opportunities; and spirituality and values.

Contact: Athaliah Reynolds-Baker