PARTNERS
KEY COLLABORATION ON CHALLENGES TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Existing links between <strong>YUTE</strong> and the International Youth Foundation (IYF) were upgraded to an even more meaningful partnership during <strong>2014</strong>, with significant positive results. IYF is a leading international youth-serving organisation, based in Maryland, USA. Since its establishment in 1990, it has provided effective interventions for millions of young people in more than 86 countries, with its strongest presence being in Latin America. It has partnered with a number of successful social programmes in Jamaica. The July 15 reception at the <strong>YUTE</strong> Chairman Joseph Matalon’s Jack’s Hill residence provided valuable networking opportunities, with over 40 guests including government ministers and representatives of major stakeholders in the Jamaican youth development sector. It also achieved the important objective of fostering a sense of unity among invitees, who share a mission of delivering interventions that create positive change among youth. In welcoming the guests, Mr. Matalon commended the IYF on its work in Jamaica and worldwide, and encouraged continuing positive collaboration among all present, in what he termed a “time of grave significance”. He noted: “The harsh realities we face as a Jamaican society today are no secret, but as we all know well, our young people, especially those within marginalized and vulnerable communities in the inner-cities and rural Jamaica, are at significantly higher risk. “We grapple with educational underachievement and a mis-match of training with labour market demands. Youth unemployment is now estimated at some 38.5%, which is nearly triple the national unemployment rate. Crime and violence rates are high with young men being most affected – as both the victims and the perpetrators. And, most damaging is a sense of hopelessness among many young people who are unavoidably idle, unattached and unable to see a way out of their economically, socially and environmentally challenged situations. “For many of those youth, the work being done by the organisations you all represent, may be the only opportunity for change, the difference between hope and hopelessness, between empowerment and bewilderment and in some cases, between life and death.” The impactful Stakeholders’ Luncheon took place two days later at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston, with 35 invitees from the major youth-serving organizations coming together for a structured programme of short presentations and a panel discussion and key collaboration. This allowed the attending NGOs, donors and corporate foundations – including GraceKennedy Foundation, JN Foundation, Digicel Foundation and MultiCare Foundation – to address some of the key issues they face as organisations. Youth leaders, activists and young beneficiaries of existing programmes also had their say in the programme. The event was, fittingly, chaired by Master of Ceremonies Kemesha Kelly, youth leader and Youth Information Officer with the Ministry of Youth and Culture. Issues addressed included: • Current youth interventions • Challenges to youth interventions • National strategies and policies • Good practices and experiences in addressing youth challenges, • Recommendations William Reese (left), President & CEO, International Youth Foundation (IYF) with Joseph M. Matalon <strong>YUTE</strong> ANNUAL REPORT | JANUARY <strong>2014</strong> - DECEMBER <strong>2014</strong> 32