Thousands to Participate in NYS Summer Programme

Some 3,750 spaces are available for secondary and tertiary students between 17 and 24 years of age to participate in the National Youth Service (NYS) Summer Programme 2013.

The programme was officially launched by Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, at a press briefing on Wednesday, April 3, at the NYS offices on Collins Green Avenue, in Kingston.

The Minister urged participants in the programme to make good use of the opportunity.

“There are not a lot of resources floating around right now in the public service, but the Government is committed to making sure that whatever resources we have, we are focused on youth development in particular areas, as well as children,” Miss Hanna said.

Successful applicants in the programme will be placed with public and private sector organisations for a three-week internship period, either in July or August. They will be paid a small stipend of $12,000 for the period to assist with expenses for travelling and meals.

Some $57 million has been allocated for the 2013 programme, with 75 per cent of the sum going directly to the participants. At least 10 per cent of the figure to be placed will be persons with disabilities.

For her part, Chairman of the Board of the NYS, Maureen Webber, also urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity being offered to them.

“It is important for persons who are applying to understand that they are coming in for a work opportunity, and they need to be focused and committed,” she said.

Applicants should submit a completed application form with photograph attached; identification, such as Passport, National Identification Card, Driver’s Licence or School Identification Card; Birth Certificate; and Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) to the NYS office in their parish by April 26.

Preference will be given to individuals with three or more Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) subjects.

Applicants who satisfy the eligibility criteria will be invited to attend an interview. Selected participants will be informed and invited to an orientation session. They will also be invited to open a bank account, if they do not currently possess an account.

The orientation is intended to reinforce the importance of strong work ethics and prepare participants to function effectively in a work environment.

During placement, it is expected that participants will practise the values taught during the orientation process and gain meaningful experience, while appreciating the concept of voluntarism.

By Latonya Linton, JIS Reporter