During the month of November, young persons will be the focus of attention as the nation celebrates Youth Month, under the theme: ‘Youth IMPACT 2024: Innovative Minds, Purposeful Action: Collective Triumphs’.
Organised by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, through its Youth and Adolescents Policy Division, the month-long celebration will recognise the remarkable contributions of young people, while empowering them to take actionable steps toward meaningful change in their communities.
Acting Senior Director of the Division, Yanique Williams, told JIS News that Youth Month provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the potential of young people who continue to drive progress and innovation across all sectors of the society.
“With the focus on empowerment, leadership and collaboration, the celebration will address critical issues affecting young people and inspire them to actively contribute to shaping a brighter future,” she explained.
According to Ms. Williams, this year’s theme is a clarion call for youth to take ownership of their future and contribute to resolving pressing social, economic and environmental challenges.
“By focusing on tangible outcomes, Youth IMPACT encourages Jamaican youth to embrace their agency and work together to create lasting, positive changes in their communities,” she said. The month-long activities are guided by a theme aligned to the primary objectives of the period.
The month aims to promote digital literacy and gender parity in the context of a more dynamic and innovative world; promote health and wellbeing amongst the youth, and encourage them to practise healthy lifestyle choices.
It promotes world-class youth entrepreneurship training, coaching and employment opportunities for young people, enabling them to learn and adopt best practices to improve their businesses; expand and deepen the quantity and quality of young persons involved in decision-making processes; and identify, harness and showcase the very best of Jamaican youth products and services to the nation, the region, and the world.
Youth Month 2024 will feature a variety of activities designed to inspire action and foster leadership across Jamaica.
Key events include the 15th Sitting of the National Youth Parliament, where approximately 70 youth parliamentarians will debate and propose innovative solutions to critical development challenges.
These representatives will serve as both Government and Opposition members, demonstrating their commitment to driving change.
Another highlight is the ‘Around the Table Discussions’, a series of dialogues that bring together young people and experienced business leaders.
This initiative offers a platform for networking, knowledge exchange and mentorship, equipping youth with the skills and insights needed to thrive in various professional fields.
The ‘Pon di Corna’ initiative will target at-risk and unattached youth, providing an informal space for stakeholders to engage with these young people.
Through on-site assessments and referrals to relevant social services, this initiative aims to support youth who need it most.
Global Night will foster regional and global integration by promoting cultural understanding and highlighting opportunities for youth in Jamaica and the Diaspora.
Representatives from various embassies and consulates will lead discussions on youth-related issues, such as climate change, employment and migration.
Students will also have the chance to participate in Leadership and Governance Capacity Building Workshops, designed to strengthen their leadership skills and enhance the effectiveness of student councils and other student governance bodies.
Additionally, several National Youth Month Forums will focus on important topics like crime and violence, youth investment opportunities and the inclusion of youth with disabilities.
The Annual General Meeting of the National Youth Council of Jamaica (NYCJ) will also take place, offering an opportunity for youth leaders and organisations from across the island to come together for reporting and training.
“Youth Month 2024 is not just a celebration, it is a call to action for the young people of Jamaica to take charge of their futures and their communities. Through a focus on innovative leadership, youth entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration, this year’s theme underscores the immense potential of every young person to make a significant impact,” Ms. Williams said.