APPROXIMATELY 600 young people from western parishes are benefiting from the Summer Employment Programme, which is being funded nationally by Government through the National Youth Service (NYS), at a cost of $45 million.
The programme, which began in 1991, seeks to expose young people to the world of work, teach them good work ethics, how to conduct themselves during interviews, and put together a five-year development plan for their lives.
The young people from the parishes of St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, who range from ages 17 to 24 years, have all completed high school and are now employed in Government and non-governmental organisations and private companies, for three weeks.
Regional field director for the Summer Employment Programme, the Rev. Phillip Cardis, said that the programme was one of hope and opportunity for young persons as they move closer towards adulthood.
"I believe that young people have a grand opportunity of preparing themselves for the future as the programme is geared to address, among other things, proper parenting, punctuality, professionalism, performance, career guidance, general deportment, and developing the attitude of a good day's work for a good day's pay," he said.
