MultiCare Youth Foundation transforming ‘hotspot’ communities

The MultiCare Youth Foundation is aiming to help transform volatile communities by targeting at-risk youths.

Currently, the foundation is partnering with Fight for Peace, that is funded by the European Union to target communities with zones of special operations, states of emergency and high crime rates.

"We responded to a call for application publicised by Fight for Peace to target what we call 'hotspot' communities. The aim is to see if we can reduce instances of recidivism or where there is an inclination for crime or violent behaviour," said Tanesha Stoney, the foundation's project manager.

The foundation connects with other youth groups in these 'hotspot' communities and coordinates programmes and seminars to educate, uplift and motivate the youths. The foundation is currently working with the Denham Town Community Development Council (CDC) using its internationally accredited programme, Passport to Success, to train 10 youths in the community to become certified youth trainers. This curriculum details how individuals can implement life skill sessions to at-risk youths. This will equip these trainers with the skills and knowledge needed to impact at least 40 youth from the community over the next six weeks.

Damion Burke, a resident of Denham Town for 22 years, and the PRO of the Denham Town CDC, says the programme and seminars have had a significant impact on the community, educating youth on family planning as well as teaching them how to write resumes and prepare for the working world. He also believes the programme is playing its part in deterring youths from turning to lives of crime and violence.

ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME

"Oftentimes we don't have programmes like this because of the type of community, but a lot of our youths are gravitating to programmes like these, and it keeps them out of trouble because it is very engaging. Plus, it teaches them about employment and how to be employable, so it helps to create barriers for crime and violence," said Burke.

Prior to this, the foundation held virtual training seminars funded by the USAID, training 34 members of the Department of Correctional Services. The programme also taught them how to use the curriculum with at-risk youths in all the island's juvenile correctional facilities, including the Metcalfe Street Juvenile Centre and the South Camp Juvenile Correctional and Remand Centre for Girls. The programme was very successful and over 120 youth were trained using the curriculum.

"It has been very successful; I have been getting great feedback about behavioural changes and even changes in mannerism," said Burke. Over the next six months, the foundation will be working with six communities, including Trench Town in St Andrew, and Flanker and Norwood in St James.