Jamaicans Encouraged to Play Active Role in Youth Empowerment

Jamaicans are being encouraged to play a more active role in shaping the next generation of citizens by actively engaging in mentorship programmes that inspire and empower the nation’s youth.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, renewed his call for youth empowerment during the United Nations Jamaica Partnership Forum, held at the Summit, in New Kingston, on Wednesday (November 27) under the theme – ‘Powering Private Sector Partnerships for Jamaica’s Youth and the SDGs’.

“There can be no national development without empowering our youth. When we empower our youth, we empower our nation. As we approach the critical milestone of Vision 2030 [Jamaica], we must reenergise efforts towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“In my Parliamentary presentation, I also noted the importance for more Jamaicans to go into our schools and have direct mentorship programmes coming from not just civil society but also Members of Parliament, Councillors, members of various fraternities as well as members of the business/corporate sector. It makes a difference when we play an active role in the daily lives of our young kings and queens, and with this added element of the private sector providing a sort of business mentorship, then we can see more Jamaican businesses growing,” he said.

Mr. Terrelonge also supported the call made earlier during the forum for members of the business community to provide more mentorship opportunities for young people.

“Jamaica and the United Nations (UN) share a strong commitment to youth empowerment and the enhancement of the voice of young people in the discussions about sustainable development. We are pleased, therefore, to collaborate with the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and our youth in hosting the National Youth Dialogue in August as a precursor to the United Nations Summit of the future, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in September. The event, [held] under the theme ‘Let’s Be Future Ready’, provided an excellent opportunity for our young people to articulate their views on [their] importance… to the UN agenda,” he stated.

Mr. Terrelonge said the Government continues to develop and implement a robust framework of policies and programmes that will empower Jamaica’s youth.

“As we speak about getting the Jamaican youth future-ready, this Government, led by Dr. Andrew Holness, has ensured that we have rolled out phenomenal youth programmes aimed at empowering our youth. A big part of these programmes includes skills training,” the State Minister pointed out.

Mr. Terrelonge noted that these programmes, some of which are administered by the HEART/NSTA Trust, are being offered free of charge up to Level IV (associate degree) for persons enrolling.

The courses being offered include robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering, digital transformation and computer literacy.

“As a Government, we recognise that it is only by providing our youth with the skills that they will need, not just for today but for tomorrow, that will get them future-ready, whilst also enhancing Jamaica’s growth and development,” he said.

Mr. Terrelonge further noted that the introduction of the Learning and Investment for Transformation (LIFT) and Community Action for Rewarding Engagement (CARE) programmes, and removal of guarantors for Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) borrowers are also directed at youth engagement and empowerment, as well as preparing them for the future.

He explained that the Government is able to undertake those and other initiatives due to prudent management of Jamaica’s economy, noting that the Administration remains focused on ensuring that more people benefit from the fiscal gains.

Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Youth, Skills and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, said partnerships are critical for achieving the SDGs and empowering young people to become future leaders.

Her remarks were delivered by Assistant Chief Education Officer in the Ministry’s Policy Analysis Research and Statistics Unit, Dr. Steven Kerr.

Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator, Dennis Zulu, said the forum aimed to, among other things, facilitate connections as well as leverage partnerships for a more sustainable future.