NCYD Yute Vibes
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Transcript of NCYD Yute Vibes
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture
Yute Vibez
Volume 1, Issue 3
Nov-Dec 2010
“Be…Do…Have…” Director’s Message As we enjoy the festivities of the Christmas season and approach the
end of this year 2010, let us consider and give God thanks for all our
accomplishments, both in our personal lives and professional career.
There is a principle for guaranteed success that I would like for us to
consider for the New Year. The principle is simply, BE…DO …HAVE…
BE in your minds and thoughts the individual you want to be, for as a man thinks, so is he.
Having a transformed mind and a mindset that is conditioned for success along with a tough
mental fortitude will be the driving force, taking us into that place that we envisioned.
DO the things it takes to get us to that place. For some of us this Christmas, it will be mak-
ing a conscious effort not to spend so much this holiday season. For others it will be taking
the time to heal or to be healed of broken relationships and building bridges, bridges that
were predestined to cross us over into success and happiness. For others, it could be making
a list of the do‟s and don‟ts for this season and for the New Year.
When we BE in our minds the individuals we want to be and DO what needs to be done then
we will HAVE the things we have been hoping for. This Christmas, let us think carefully
about the things we need to HAVE, and then decide our plan of action for receiving them.
Let us think carefully about what will get us to the next stage in life, a bigger, broader
stage of self actualization and success. The world awaits our wisdom and our youthful
strength. This Christmas, while we party and cele-
brate we will remember the challenges and be con-
scious of the needs of our young people. Those who
are incapacitated, those are left suffering and nurs-
ing gunshot wounds, those whose lives have been
broken and destroyed.
Let us think carefully on how we can be…do and
have…to make their lives better and Jamaica a bet-
ter place to live.
As we approach Christmas…let us remember the
Reason for the Season...and let us embrace each
other in the true spirit of Christmas…and remem-
ber…Be ...Do… Have…
Jamaican Youth Shaping the World!
“Jamaican Youth: Organizing, Integrating and Participating for Development” was
the theme for Youth Month 2010. The
Month, which kicked off with its November
1 Launch, had several events slated to highlight the achievements and challenges
of young people.
The month long celebrations included: a
Youth Gospel Explosion, International
Students‟ Day, Rally and Conference, Street Youth Stakeholders‟ Consultation,
Portmore Youth Explosion, National Youth
Council Elections and the International
Volunteers‟ Day.
With each turn of the page, you will share
in the excitement that was!
Youth participants in
the International
Volunteers‟ Day Project in
Portland.
The Glenmuir High School choir performs
at International Students‟ Day
P a g e 2 Y u t e V i b e z
Yute Meds: Possibilities Abound!
guiding philosophy, “Responsible
Students Make the Difference”.
About the Author: Jermaine Ander-
son is 19 years old and is the newly
elected PRO for the National Youth
Council. He volunteers at the Man-
chester Youth Information Centre.
If we go by pessimistic predictions about the future of youth in the Jamaican society, they are destined for the scrap heap.
In this regard, we must disprove sceptics
and embrace the possibilities that
abound! The youth of this country, new
entrepreneurs and young professionals
shape the future of Jamaica. It spells H-O
-P-E, as youth possess an unlimited supply
of potential that can be harnessed effec-
tively to realize these possibilities.
Many institutions have been a source of
nourishment for creating healthy symbi-
otic relationships among youth - which has helped in the fight against crime in at
-risk and volatile communities - helping
to soften some of these tense communi-
ties.
Resulting in the creation of an environment within
which youthful exuberance can be expressed in man-
ner that is productive. Agencies such as the National
Centre for Youth Development (NCYD) have been
key players in ensuring that the business of trans-
forming young lives is one that is taken seriously and
is executed effectively.
To this end they have facilitated organizations such
as the National Secondary Students‟ Council, which
advocates strongly on behalf of students of Jamaican
secondary schools. The programme was revamped in
2003 under the leadership of the Director of the
NCYD and currently represents 162 secondary schools
and over 300,000 students. The NSSC continues its
representation of Jamaica‟s students with the
Youth Month Launch: November 1
Youth Should be more Proactive>>> Young people were encouraged to be more proactive in their own development. Paul McFarlane, guest speaker at the Launch of Youth Month, appealed to youth to
“organize themselves in groups and create opportunities to advance themselves and
their communities”. Citing a number of scholarships, he reminded the youth that
opportunities are present but better use must be made of them.
Also speaking at the function, Senator Warren Newby outlined several initiatives to help young people achieve their goals, including the Career Advancement Pro-
gramme and the Jamaica Youth Business Trust. Senator Newby also spoke about
the National Youth Survey, which is currently being done. From this Survey, policy
makers will be able to address the gaps in the current National Youth Policy so
that more youth can benefit from programmes.
Scenes from Youth Month Launch held November 1, 2010
P a g e 3 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 3
International Students’ Day: November 17>>> Revise Funding for Tertiary Education
Over 700 students from 60 schools filled the Vere Technical High School Auditorium on
November 17. The International Students‟ Day
Conference was held under the theme “Youth
Advocacy and Funding for Tertiary Education”. Head of the NCYD, Mrs. Roberta Brown-Ellis
explained that “the theme was relevant as
many young people are denied tertiary educa-
tion due to lack of financial assistance”.
The Conference featured presenters from the Students‟ Loan Bureau, UWI Guild, Northern
Caribbean University as well as high schools,
who spoke about ways in which youth can access funding and the responsibilities of
stakeholders such as the SLB.
Randy Goldson from the NCU stated that in-
vestment in youth is priceless and that Ja-
maica will see the benefit in the long term. UWI Student, Stephanie Abrahams suggested
that lending institutions such as the SLB can
make their loan schemes more appealing by lowering interest rates and extending the
length of time for repayment. She also sug-
gested that repayment be done based on the
income of the person. In this way, young peo-ple are afforded greater opportunities through
more flexible and viable loan schemes.
Youths were also encouraged to become their
own advocates as only when they speak up will
they be taken seriously. Newly installed NSSC President, Darren Miller urged the young audi-
ence to take their role as advocates seriously in
order to truly shape the nation positively.
President of the NSSC, Darren
Miller speaks to the audience
at the International Students‟
Day Conference.
Street Youth Stakeholders’ Consultation: November 19 “Not an Easy Life”
“Street Youth are often overlooked and I thought that speaking with them would provide a better
understanding of their situation”, remarks made by
Miguel Williams. Thirteen young men, aged be-
tween the ages of 16 and 29 years, came from the communities of the Three Miles area to speak can-
didly about their experiences of living and working
on the street.
They recounted having to bear physical and verbal
abuse from colleagues, motorists and the security forces, sometimes hiding in tombs and sleeping on
the streets. Many of them explained that they were
unable to continue formal education and were forced to seek a life on the streets for their subsis-
tence. The youths stated that they would love to be given opportu-
nities to go back to school, work
or start up business.
Williams, Co-ordinator of the Street Youth Stakeholders‟ Consultation, explained that the interaction was intended to bring agencies together to listen to the young men so
that they could better assist them. Mr. Williams stated that a plan of action will be de-
veloped based on the recommendations of the youths and programmes will be developed
to streamline them and youths like them back into the society. Stakeholders included
the YMCA, Office of the Childrens‟ Advocate, UNICEF, Child Development Agency,
Children First, Planning Institute of Jamaica and the National Youth Service.
Senator Warren
Newby speaks to
the street youths
at the Consulta-
tion.
P a g e 4 Y u t e V i b e z
Portmore Youth Explosion: November 20
SHE’S ROYAL
Miss and Mini-Miss Washington Mews,
Shaneka Barrett & Francine Williams
The Portmore Youth Information Centre has reached
out to several young women from the Washington
Mews and Newland communities through a series of
self image and self-esteem workshops. The workshop
which was held under the theme “BEAUTY IS BE-
YOND OUR SKIN ITS WHAT LIES DEEP
WITHIN’…..‘SHE’S ROYAL”, culminated in a “Mini-
Miss and Miss Washington Mews” Empowered Youth
Pageant.
The Workshop and Pageant was a big boost for the
participants from the volatile area. Tanya Powell,
Youth Empowerment Officer in Portmore stated that
the workshop/pageant was an initiative to engage
girls between 6 and 17 years old. She explained that “the participants are often seen
as objects in their communities and that by empowering them, they would claim
responsibility for their bodies”. The workshops focused on four main areas namely:
self-esteem and self-image, healthy living and hygiene, gender, youth and societal
reality and modeling and public speaking.
On the big night, Francine Williams and Shaneka Barrett walked away as Mini-Miss
and Miss Washington Mews. Mrs. Powell stated that the winners and other partici-
pants were elated and have been encouraged to appreciate their worth through the
workshop series.
The initiative has been so successful that it is currently being implemented in the
Caymanas Bay Communities. Though a date has not been set for the next pageant,
Mrs. Powell foresees that the impact will be just as positive on the young women
there as it was on those from the Washington Mews and Newland communities.
Shaneka Barrett
speaking in the
question and an-
swer segment.
A participant doing
a talent piece at
the Mini-Miss and
Miss Washington
Mews.
Falmouth Trelawny was the centre of attraction on November 20 as the Youth
Gospel Explosion was held. The concert was held at the Assemblies of God
under the theme, “Breaking the Curse”. Over 300 youth were in attendance
and there were a number of performances from persons within the parish.
Rhonda Walters, organizer of the event, stated that “it was successful and
the young people were truly blessed and inspired”. Mrs. Walters stated that
the theme was chosen “in light of the struggles that the youth of the nation
face as it relates to youth violence, kidnappings, HIV/AIDS contraction and
poverty, among other challenges. Senator Warren Newby and Mrs. Roberta
Brown-Ellis were also in attendance and expressed that the concert was both
entertaining and spiritually uplifting.
Exhilarating performances came from the Albert Town, Troy and Cedric Titus
High Schools. The National Youth Service and Litchfield Youth Club also par-
ticipated in the event. Guest performances came from the „New Sensation‟
Group, New Destiny Ministries, Lamoy Brown, DJ Troy and Ryan Mark.
Big Up!!! The NCYD would like to send a special BIG UP to its
workers on the following:
Recognition: Ms. Takisha Barnes and Mrs. Tanya
Merrick-Powell who were both featured in the Jamaica
Observer. They were recognized by the Bureau of
Women‟s Affairs as having significantly contributed to
Youth Development.
Parenthood: Messrs Miguel Williams and Keitho Nemb-
hard on the births of baby boys. We wish them all the
best!!!
Birthdays: Mr. Kevon Campbell and Ms. Donaree Muir-
head on celebrating birthdays
during this holiday season.
P a g e 5 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 3
Director, Roberta Brown-Ellis planting peppers at
Muirton Boys‟ Home, Portland. IVD, December 5
Vere Technical High Cadet Corp at International
Students‟ Day, November 17.
Street Youth from Consultations held
November 19.
1st Deputy Chair, Shannon Dale Reid (left) talks with
Financial Controller, Jamar Howell at the Youth
Council Elections. Nov. 27. Participants in the Mini-Miss & Miss Washington
Mews held in Portmore, St. Catherine. Nov. 20
Miguel “Steppa” Wil-
liams performs at the
Launch of Youth
Month. Nov. 1.
Mrs. Ellis makes a point at the
Street Youth Consultation.
Nov. 19. YEO, Dowell Wil-
liams handles the
machete at the
International Volun-
teers‟ Day in Port-
land. Dec. 5.
Youth queue up to cast their votes. Na-
tional Youth Council Elections. Nov. 27.
Yute Vibez P a g e 6
A New Generation for Youth Governance
International Volunteers’ Day>>>December 5
>>> Muirton benefits from “3D” Activity Over 250 youths participated in the NCYDs International Vol-unteers‟ Day project which was held at the Muirton Boys‟
Home in Portland. The project was conceptualized as a “3D”
venture, where:
1. 200 plantain suckers were sowed
2. 200 peppers were planted
3. 5 pigs were donated as well as repairs to an existing pig sty
These “three different” (3D) activities would boost the Home‟s self sufficiency as well as income generation from
sales to potential customers in the surrounding community.
The NCYD also contributed farm tools and fertilizers for the
maintenance of the crops.
Dowell Williams and Simone Jackson, organizers of the activ-ity, stated that all the objectives of the day were executed
and that the onus is on the Home to maintain the farming
programme.
The participants hailed from the surrounding communities and
a number of organizations including the NCYD, NYS, Social Development Commission, RADA, 4H Clubs, Community Youth
Clubs and the College of Agriculture, Science and Education.
Youths doing repairs to
the pig sty at the Muirton
Boys‟ Home in Portland on
December 5.
Young ladies hard at work
with the planting.
Pigs donated to the Muirton Boys‟
Home
Voters casting ballots at the Youth Council Elections
November 27 saw a new Youth Council being elected at the St. Hildas High School in Brown‟s Town, St.
Ann. Over 300 people from 242 youth clubs voted for
a new team of Youth Council Executives who will lead
the charge in tabling youth issues at the National
level.
The new executive body is: Ryan Small – Chairman,
Lanisa Rhoden – 1st Deputy Chair, Shannon Dale Reid –
2nd Deputy Chair, Jamar Howell – Financial Control-
ler, Melissa Matthie – General Secretary and
Jermaine Anderson – Public Relations Officer .
Head of the National Centre for Youth Development
(NCYD), Mrs. Roberta Brown-Ellis said that “this new
Council will help to reenergize and reorganize community youth clubs so that their members can organize, inte-
grate, and participate in order to develop the country”.
Takisha Barnes, NCYD‟s Deputy Director of Youth Policy
and coordinator of the Youth Coun-cil Programme explained that “the
Council will speak on Youth Issues
on a national level and will be more active in formulating legisla-
tion which will be in the best inter-
est of the country‟s youth”.
The National Youth Council is the
umbrella organisation for youth clubs across Jamaica, which seeks
to foster youth participation at the
community level, and advocate for
youth participation in all levels of governance through providing assis-
tance in the formulation, imple-
mentation and evaluation of gov-
ernment policy regarding youth. Voters being processed at the National Youth Council
Elections.
YEO Style : AGENT 101
YEO Name: Rhonda Walters
YEO Parish/Portfolio: Trelawny (Northern)
Major projects done: The Big Sisters Mentorship Programme at the Granville Child
Care Facility
Current Projects: Building the Capacity of the Trelawny Parish Youth Council
Biggest accomplishment: Sustaining the mentorship programme for one year with
the involvement of individuals from other government agencies& the Half Moon Hotel
in St. James
Biggest Inspiration: “Seeing my mentees grow & contributing to the positive devel-
opment of the young people I work with through encouragement or by assisting them
with financial & other resources to realize goals or just to get by daily”.
NCYD UPDATES 1. An NCYD/YIC website is currently under con-
struction and is slated to be active soon. The
site has a number of features geared to en-
gaging youth, especially those transitioning
from high school to the working world. The site will also provide links to scholarship
offerings and building your resume. Look out
for more!!
2. The National Youth Survey, which is cur-
rently being conducted, is slated to end in January 2011. After the Survey is through, a
series of community and town hall meetings
will be held to discuss the results, the impli-cations for youth and measures to ensure
that youths are given full attention in all six
areas of the National Youth Policy.
Did You Know? 1. That the Possibility Programme was imple-
mented in 2001 to address the problem of
street youth? The programme ensures that
registered youth are given food, shelter and
skills training.
2. That the Rural Youth Employment Project
(RUYE) is geared towards the reduction of rural
youth unemployment? RYEP will target Tre-
lawny, St. Ann, Manchester & St. Thomas
which are 4 of the poorest parishes with low
youth employment.
For more information, contact us at: 968-6293/908-2010. Check us out on Facebook at ncydjamaica or Natl Centre for Youth Development and
follow us on Twitter. You can also email us at [email protected].
A Youth Empowerment Officer (YEO) is NCYD‟s Youth Agent. Their scope of work covers 4 main areas: Information Dissemination, Coordinating
Youth Organizations & Programmes, Coordinating/Managing Youth Activities through Multi-Sectoral Collaboration & Management of YIC’s.
Yute Vibez P a g e 7
$15 million for Youth Businesses!
If you have a bright business idea but no start-up capital, you can now benefit from a loan from the Jamaica Youth Business Trust. A Memorandum of Understanding be-
tween the Government of Jamaica and the JYBT was signed on October 26, 2010,
which will make $15 million available for loan disbursement. The loan will be made
available to youth who are interested in setting up business in the areas of: Informa-tion Communication Technology (ICT), Agro-Processing, Light Manufacturing and
Services.
The MOU seeks to increase the number of Jamaican youth having access to financing
for business ventures and also increase the number of sustainable youth businesses,
through careful assessment of proposals and effective monitoring and evaluation of projects. It also seeks to create awareness of the financing opportunities available
through the JYBT, especially to rural youth.
To access the fund, a young person will have to write a detailed business proposal which will be reviewed. If this proposal is accepted, the young person will go
through an interviewing process. The individual will then be given his loan disburse-
ment and will be monitored by the JYBT and the NCYD.
The NCYD and its Youth Information Centres will be responsible for undertaking the
loan disbursement to young people, as well as public education, project implemen-tation and promotional activities of the JYBT. Mrs. Roberta Brown-Ellis, Head of the
NCYD, stated that “many young people stand to benefit from this programme,
which shows the Government‟s commitment to giving young people opportunities to
set up businesses while expanding the landscape for potential investors”.