Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter
THE UNITED States Agency for International Development (USAID) yesterday launched 'Jamaica's Solution to Youth Lifestyle and Empowerment' (Ja-Style) programme in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
The programme has been set up to improve health service for young people, implement youth-related health policies, create and disseminate information about healthy behaviours and strengthen non-governmental organisations that carry out important work for the youth.
"USAID is committed to developing and supporting projects that uplift and sustain young people," said Karen D. Turner, mission director for the USAID Caribbean Regional Program.
She said the purpose of Ja-Style was to create a more positive environment in which young people can thrive and better realise their fullest potential. She also said the programme would incorporate the family, the community and the school.
SOLUTIONS
The project will seek, not only to address the issues of crime and violence and HIV/AIDS, but also to identify and support solutions to many of the most serious issues confronting youth throughout Jamaica. Ms. Turner highlighted that HIV/AIDS, sexuality, conflict and substance abuse are challenges young people face today.
Health Minister John Junor said, "we must redouble our efforts and focus our energies in a national campaign to transform the youths' lifestyles that are unhealthy and negative." He argued that the future of Jamaican society depends on the action and approach taken now.
CUTTING-EDGE APPROACH
Mr. Junor said the inclusion of violence prevention, substance abuse and the focus on the family whilst attempting to empower adolescents to advocate for themselves, is the cutting edge in the approach of Ja-Style.
Ja-Style was developed by USAID to support the Govern-ment of Jamaica in implementing the Healthy Lifestyle Policy with particular emphasis on adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19. The project builds on previous success in reproductive health but seeks to widen the scope, to include a more holistic approach to youth development.
The launch, which took place at the Health Ministry's downtown Kingston offices, saw performances from various youth groups such as Ashe, Rise Life Jamaica, Area Youth Foundation, and Children and Community for Change.
Jason Diggs Whyte received a certificate and a Motorola Razr cellphone, for having topped the competition that sought to name the programme.
