BOYS’ TOWN 15-18 youth development project
BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The National Labour Force Survey (STATIN 2008) states that approximately 128,000 Jamaican youngsters ages 14-24 are not in school and are either unemployed, or outside of the labour force. Roughly 50,000 of this number are unemployed, and just under 80,000 are outside the labour force. This could hardly be more evident than the area served by Boys’ Town. Under CIDA sponsorship and already in its pilot phase, The Boys’ Town 15-18 Youth Development Project is using social and life skills (inclusive of Sports & Culture); Communication Skills, including Remedial Education; Job Skills Training; Computer Programmes and Mentorship to develop in 60 young adults per year over a two year period (both men and women) a greater sense of citizenry so that they can better sustain themselves, while taking their place in contributing to community and national development.
Boys’ Town, until recently listed as a project of the Government of Jamaica under the management of the Kingston YMCA demonstrates the vision, evangelism, and the inspirational leadership of the founding Director, Rev. the Hon. Dr. Hugh Braham Sherlock O.J. Boys’ Town traditionally served the specific niche of youth development, particularly through education, skills training, sports and cultural activities, within the framework of Christian values espoused by the YMCA and the Methodist Church of Jamaica. The motto is “We Build”. The institution has grown over the years into a multi-service complex embracing education from Early Childhood to All-Age levels, Sports Clubs, certified Youth Skills Training Centre (Boys’-Heart VTC), and social centre activities which fall within the traditional vision and mandate, and form the basis of the organization’s new thrust.
Established in 1968, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is Canada’s lead agency for development assistance. The program is mandated to support sustainable development in developing countries in order to reduce poverty and to contribute to a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world. In 2009, as part of Canada’s new aid effectiveness agenda, the Caribbean region was selected by CIDA as one of 20 countries of focus. The commitment to the region is for CDN$600 million over a 10-year period and is a tangible demonstration of Canada’s renewed engagement with its traditional partners, including Jamaica, in the region. Through CIDA, Canada supports the development agenda established by CARICOM to achieve regional integration. CIDA’s long-term goal in the Caribbean region is to help build a more prosperous and integrated Caribbean community, one that is able to generate sustainable economic growth, and eventually provide opportunity and security to its citizens.
