Junior Rose, ContributorTHERE IS a school of thought that the political directorate should stay clear of a cataclysmic divide on certain critical issues affecting our nation such as health, education, inter alia other social services. Youth development should be among this list of critical essentials. Within the context of this predetermined assignment of priorities in the general psyche of our people, it seemed almost impossible for youth development to garner the well-needed traction in treating with this, often ignored, segment of the society in a holistic way.
Traditionally the rhetoric of positive norms and wholesome values meant only an addition to a speech which was intended to be impressive. Needless to say, these were only 'words of wind' for those youth who cared to listen. The fact is, youth who were unemployed, not certified, not in a training programme or an organisation, retained the nomenclature, unattached youth. In some instances, the future for these youth seemed unpromising and at best quite dubious.
DYNAMISM
However, it is with the proverbial 'ray of hope' that our youth can safely say that these sentiments are gradually changing, especially with the synergy that exists among the stakeholders in the youth sector. Essentially, there have been new and exciting displays of dynamism in youth development, solicited by the incessant entreaty by our youth to be engaged and empowered.
The thrust of the Government in youth development based on an analysis of its policy, is quite sensitive to what our youth are saying. This was confirmed by numerous consultations with youth, and youth-serving organisations, among other stakeholders. It is through this youth inclusion process that the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture has developed a seamless interweaving between youth and empowerment opportunities.
The ministry, through its youth division, the National Centre for Youth Development with much consultation, under the strong, astute and competent leadership of its executive director, Mr. Ohene Blake, completed the National Youth Policy (NYP) and National Strategic Plan for Youth Development (NSPYD).
Essentially, the NSPYD will operationalise the National Youth Policy. The plan identifies a number of critical actions, which must be pursued in relation to the key areas of: education and training, employment and entrepreneurship, health, participation and empowerment, care and protection and the living environment. These are critical areas which encapsulate the genre of holistic development that is needed to propel the future of this country (our youth) forward.
The exigencies of youth empowerment subsume a rationalisation of the work of youth-serving organisations which would create a greater level of efficiency by reducing duplication where it exists, and increase opportunities for youth without much bureaucracy. One of the Achilles heels that existed in youth development, is how various categories of youth were diagnosed and addressed. Fundamentally, the National Youth Policy and Strategic Plan seek to treat with this long-standing issue.
LACK OF VISION
On the contrary, in examining the contribution of the Opposition Spokesman on Youth Community Development and Sports to the Sectoral Debate 2005/2006, the content lacks a clear vision for our Jamaican youth. The conundrum of words fastened together and political rhetoric in the presentation fell short of the anticipated substance of a clearly articulated alternative framework for youth development in Jamaica.
The scientific and literary insights of the presentation were no substitute for the expected constructive critique of the National Youth Policy and the National Strategic Plan for Youth Development, which is the compass that will chart the future for youth development in this country.
The call made for an expansion of the National Youth Service was a good gesture, but the Opposition Spokesman has become the third in line to have made this call in over four months. Earlier this year, Prime Minister PJ Patterson in his contribution to the Budget Debate and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture, Dr. Donald Rhodd in his Sectoral presentation, underscore that the National Youth Service will be expanded. Quite importantly, as one in a seat power and influence, the Opposition Spokesman's involvement in the due process to ensure that this and other programmes and policies come to fruition is crucial.
The issues facing our youth are many and varied. There is a plethora of information gathered on how to address some of these problems. Hence, political tinkering has no place in the new paradigm of youth development. What is needed is collaborative effort among all stakeholders, irrespective of political left or right.
It is quite obvious that the Government has reached a defining moment in the history of youth development, where the rhythm that is being played is a multi-sectoral approach to ameliorating some of the challenges facing the youth sector.
It is time that all our stakeholders get involved in the process of redefining our future. The inalienable fact is that, the most precious resource of this country is our youth. Therefore investing in them will yield commensurate or even higher returns to this blessed nation. Consequently, if we take care of them, they will take care of us.
