Aid in Action

Training Program Gives Inner City Boys a Better Chance in Life

Grants Pen youths gain confidence, job skills

 | Thursday, August 30, 2007

In a recent study by the Ministry of Health in Jamaica less than 50% of adolescents 10-15 years old were functionally literate. Girls were significantly more likely to be “functionally numerate than boys (67% and 52% respectively) and one in every four of the boys surveyed was “not numerate”. Too many young men in Jamaica, especially those from troubled communities do not reach their potential. Many are at risk of dropping out of school, becoming unemployed and even engaging in illicit activities including crime and violence and the drug trade.

One USAID funded project, the ‘Jamaica Education for All’ (EFA) is helping to give young men a better chance in life. The project is being carried out in the inner city Kingston community of Grants Pen. It is providing young men, 15 – 24 years old, with opportunities to prepare for and engage in positive roles in the world of work, and with their family and community.

Through the program, young men are now receiving basic and other levels of education. Their performance is so positive they are winning additional training opportunities from nationally recognized institutions. For example, eleven out of 12 young men trained under the program, took the entrance exams to skills training courses to one of Jamaica’s prestigious National Training Agency, and were successful. They will now specialize in areas such as electrical installation, motor vehicle engine systems, welding, electrical maintenance, general construction, computer repairs and general office administration. Three other participants are about to begin internship in Jamaica’s uniformed core sector, preparing for service in organizations such as the Jamaica Defense Force, Police Constabulary or Fire Brigade. The program is gaining a reputation of producing excellent graduates, and some participants have been offered full time employment following exemplary performances in temporary placements position.

In addition to the academic gains, measurable improvements have been noted in the young men’s grooming, attitudes and social and cultural skills. Most entered the program shy, reluctant to speak, and showing obvious difficulty in articulating opinions or otherwise expressing themselves. Today, they are all confident speakers, and, for example, can be called upon without any warning, to move the vote of thanks to visiting presenters, graciously and articulately.

The transformations which have taken place in these young men will have far reaching effects within their community, and in Jamaica, as they exert positive influences on those they work and live with. Current recruitment is now underway for additional intake and will continue this welcome success story.