Jamaica Selected For Pilot of Youth Development Index

Youth and Culture Minister, Hon. Lisa Hanna, made the disclosure during her contribution to the 2012/13 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on July 3, under the theme: ‘On a Mission to make Jamaica Great’.

The index, she said, will seek to: measure youth development over time; identify areas that need further attention; compare progress between countries; advocate development policies for youth; and encourage the collection of youth related data.

Miss Hanna also noted that the index will seek to inform the government’s policies and programmes going forward.

“We have started a concerted effort to be in a position to measure the service we offer to every young person in Jamaica and, therefore, determine the effectiveness of youth intervention programmes. To do so, we need empirical data,” she remarked.

The CYP works to engage and empower young people, ages 15 to 29, to enhance their contribution to development. This is done in partnership with young people, governments and other key stakeholders.

CYP was established by Commonwealth Heads of Government in 1973 and aims to work towards a society where young men and women are empowered to develop their potential, creativity and skills as productive and dynamic members of their societies and participate fully at every level of decision-making and development, both individually and collectively, promoting Commonwealth values of international co-operation.

By Athaliah Reynolds-Baker