YUTE assists with a brighter future
Published:Friday | June 3, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer
HE WAS standing at the podium, his voice barely audible. I moved closer and finally grasped all the words coming from the tiny frame raising the vote of thanks during a mentorship session of the Youth Upliftment through Employment (YUTE) programme at the St Andrew High School for Girls recently.
His name is Lionel Boswell and he hails from the community of Rockfort in St Andrew. He was introduced to the programme by his friend's mother, and sees it as a good way to get certification in electrical engineering, auto mechanics or construction.
At 23 years old, he is the father of a 10-month-old girl, and indicated that his attendance is not just for himself, but also a way of securing a future for his daughter. "No company will hire anyone now who is not certified. It is a good thing, especially for youngsters who have only two subjects like myself," Boswell said.
Within a year, Boswell sees himself gainfully employed, living more comfortably and becoming a better parent for his daughter. "My daughter inspires me. I don't want to be the father that is labelled as having a bad reputation," he told The Gleaner.
His mentor, Lennox Gayle, said Boswell chose him. "I like the energy and he seems to be a good man," Boswell said.
Gayle said he has always been a mentor and grasped at the opportunity to become a formal mentor, especially to help inner-city youth, and did so without hesitation.
YUTE coordinator Melissa Johnson, said more mentors are needed for the programme. She said while more young people are expressing an interest, they need more persons to support as mentors.
"Ordinary, everyday people, once they have a genuine interest in supporting young people, they can become a mentor," Johnson said.
More than 52 persons, including mentors and mentees, signed up for the YUTE programme during the training session. The next session will be held tomorrow at Genesis Academy.
Persons wishing to volunteer to support the YUTE programme should call 920-6254 or register online at www.yute.org.