YUTE support critical - Matalon

An appeal has been made for more local companies and individuals to join the ambitious private sector-led initiative Youth Upliftment Through Employment (YUTE), which targets at-risk young people in inner city communities.

Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) President Joseph M. Matalon, who made the appeal during YUTE's official launch Monday evening, said support for the initiative was critical as it sought to tackle some of the root causes of crime and unemployment among young people.

"It is time. We all need to step up and play our part to create a positive outlook for Jamaica, land we love," Matalon declared.

"Our country, our young people, our communities and the wider society stand to benefit," he added.

Build self-esteem

Philisha Lewis, a Jones Town resident who is participating in the programme, agreed, saying it has given her and others a chance to build self-esteem.

"Most youths in inner-city communities have wanted all along to just be a part of something ... not to have this stereotype that you are nothing," Lewis said.

"We are someone, we want something and we are willing to work hard at it, we are willing to put in the sacrifice."

The YUTE initiative, which is being hailed as a game-changer, was created out of the unrest in West Kingston last May to empower young people in troubled communities.

The initiative started in January with the enrolment of more than 2,000 participants from Denham Town, Tivoli Gardens, Trench Town, Olympic Gardens, Parade Gardens, Jones Town, Mountain View and Rockfort.

Two aspects of the programme that require immediate support, Matalon said, were the job bank - where companies can commit to employing participants who have completed their skill-training upgrade - and its mentorship programme.

He said that by April 4 some 50 full-time jobs and 260 internships will be required for participants who are now undergoing training.

In addition, the PSOJ president said the YUTE programme would require more than 800 volunteers to act as mentors by April 30.

A wide cross-section of local companies, including The Gleaner Company, has already joined the YUTE initiative.