SDC Youth Fair Connects Seaview Gardens Residents with Opportunities

Youth in Seaview Gardens, St. Andrew, were connected to educational, training, and employment opportunities during a Youth Empowerment Fair hosted in the community by the Social Development Commission (SDC) on Friday, February 20.

SDC Parish Manager for Kingston and St. Andrew, Wade Brown, told JIS News that the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between young residents and critical support services, with the aim of promoting youth development and strengthening community resilience.

He noted baseline data indicating that the largest demographic group within Seaview Gardens falls between the ages of 10 and 29, out of a population of approximately 15,000 residents.

“We want to connect them with educational opportunities, we want to connect them with training, we want to connect them with career opportunities, we want to connect them with a direction that is most beneficial to them, to give them a good path,” Mr. Brown said.

The Parish Manager explained that the services offered at the fair were designed to facilitate access to employment, raise awareness of government programmes, and strengthen partnerships between agencies and the community.

He emphasised that collaboration with partner organisations was central to the event’s success, including the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the HEART/NSTA Trust.

Mr. Brown further underscored that youth engagement is integral to national development efforts.

“Youth engagement reduces social vulnerability and many of the issues that we have. When young people are employed, trained and empowered, communities become stronger and more stable,” he stated.

The Parish Manager added that empowering young people aligns with Jamaica’s broader national priorities.

“We know that there’s a thrust towards peace in our country, and I believe [this youth empowerment initiative] is critical towards that. The Government has a thrust towards efficiency and economic growth, and utilising our most productive, strongest section of the population can only result in us achieving all of that,” Mr. Brown said.

Among the participants was 19 year old Damion Pearson, who travelled from Cockburn Pen to Seaview Gardens to attend the fair.

Mr. Pearson said he was particularly interested in the recruitment drive conducted by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), which was among the participating agencies.

He added that he also used the opportunity to explore other options available at the event and to learn more about potential career pathways.

Mr. Brown advised that the SDC will continue hosting similar initiatives across different communities as part of a series of parish tours targeting strategic areas.

“It is our mission to actually provide them with that level of support,” he further noted.