Charles Jr batting for at-risk youth

Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr says the Government is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive workforce, which he says is critical to partner, discuss and deliberate on ways to offer at-risk youth employment, hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging.

Charles, who was addressing the recent United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Positive Pathways Private Sector Forum, in Kingston, said the focus is on finding ways to bring untapped potential to the fore.

"We are focused now on ensuring that these at-risk youth are seen as untapped potential, a reservoir of talent that is waiting for us to discover - and so by providing them with opportunities for gainful employment, for mentorship and for support, it is expected that we're going to transform their lives and also transform the communities that they come from," explained Charles. The USAID Positive Pathways supports 12 communities across Kingston, St Andrew, Clarendon, St James, and St Catherine.

It targets families to prevent youth violence through activities such as school-safety programmes, parenting interventions, conflict-resolution sessions, life skills training, psychosocial support, literacy training, technical and vocational training, business and entrepreneurship training, career counselling and job-placement assistance.

The forum, held under the theme 'Partnering to build a more inclusive and equitable society', provided private-sector organisations with the opportunity to collaborate and explore employment solutions.

"The private sector has a vital role to play. The private sector has the responsibility and ability to really shape the future of opportunities for youth and explore the discussions around leveraging financial incentives and challenging the stigma connected to at-risk youth, which is a big problem in labour. We still have too many persons who have to be modifying the addresses on their resume," said Charles.

Pamela Foster, USAID Jamaica Acting Country Representative, noted that there are challenges involved with hiring and retaining at-risk youth, albeit expressing delight at the number of persons from the private sector who are on board to help in the quest for solutions.

Positive Pathways is a five-year, US$15-million activity, which commenced in July 2020 and is scheduled to conclude in June 2025.