At-risk youths to benefit from Optimist mentorship programme

At-risk youths are to benefit from a mentorship programme to be undertaken by Optimist International Caribbean District.

The programme, which was launched today, aims to address the social and financial issues that young people face in today's society.

The launch was held at the Kingston Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).

The district's governor, Al Johnson, in his address, said the programme will provide education skills training, motivational support and coaching for youths suffering from low self-esteem.

Entrepreneurship opportunities will be offered where youths will be prepared for the world of work or becoming self-employed.

Johnson anticipates that these efforts will produce results of improvement in education achievement, behaviour and attitude, and a change in the lives of participants.

This, Johnson said, will be actualised through forming partnerships with non-governmental organisations and non-profit entities.

Partnerships with the Jamaica 4H, Heart/NSTA Trust, YMCA, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, and the National Council of Substance Abuse in Barbados have already been formed.

Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organisation made up of more than 2,400 clubs.

The Caribbean District has 78 adult clubs and over 2,800 members based in Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and St Vincent.

In partnership with the YMCA, the district will, over the next 12 months, conduct repairs on sections of the campus to make classrooms ready for instruction.

The YMCA's barbershop training course will also be revived.

State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Robert Nesta Morgan, who was in attendance, commended the district's efforts.

 “Young people across all social classes are grappling with many different challenges of varying degrees,” he said.

“We as a Government and the wider society need to help our young people to develop good social habits and behaviours, to break the cycle of abuse and achieve their fullest potential,” Morgan added.

He noted that one of the ministry's key priorities is to amend the Child Care and Protection Act and to repeal section 24, which speaks to the power of a parent or guardian to bring a child before court.

“We do not believe that the best way to deal with young people is to lock them up and criminalise them, creating a stigma around their lives for the rest of their lives. We are working to ensure that young people who are not charged with a crime will not end up in a penal institution,” said Morgan.

- Asha Wilks

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