Revised Youth Policy to be Tabled in July

The revised National Youth Policy should be tabled in the House of Representatives in July.

Youth and Culture Minister, Hon. Lisa Hanna, made the disclosure during a rap session with youth leaders from Portland on April 26, at the Portland Youth Information Centre.

“The consultants and the oversight committee are in place and we will be tabling the Green Paper in July of this year, so everything is on track for that month,” she informed.

The 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.

The 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.

During her trip to Portland, the Minister also visited the Muirton Boys’ Home in Manchioneal as well as the Port Antonio High School, where she engaged in a rap session with students and youth leaders from the parish.

The young people were able to voice their concerns on a number of issues including education, unemployment, and opportunities for financial aid.

By Athaliah Reynolds-Baker, JIS Reporter