JIS: The country’s young people are being urged to focus on ‘Substance Ova Hype’ as the country celebrates Youth Month in November.
State Minister for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, said the theme is a call to action for all Jamaican youth to reflect on their own journeys and identify areas where they can each add more meaning to their personal, educational and socio-economic lives.
“Substance Ova Hype promotes a deeper understanding of self and an appreciation for long-term wins and not just a focus on immediate material rewards. In a culture where instant gratification appears natural for many youth, the mantra ‘Substance Ova Hype’ encourages Jamaican young people to not only consider immediate delights, but to also focus on the actions they are taking today, to ensure productive and sustainable livelihoods in years to come,” he noted.
“As such, I say to our youth, make yourself into somebody of value. Think about how often you can help your community, country and yourself to be better,” Mr. Green added.
He was speaking at the Youth Month launch at the Serengeti of Hope Zoo, St. Andrew on Thursday (October 26).
Mr. Green noted that the month of observance will highlight the abundance of opportunities that are now available for Jamaica’s young people.
“People often talk about the problems our young people face but let us now talk about opportunities that we can provide for our youth and the potential they have to transform Jamaica,” he said.
The Ministry, through the Youth Division and in collaboration with corporate Jamaica, will be providing various platforms to celebrate, encourage and showcase Jamaica’s young people.
Activities get underway with a church service and brunch at Church on the Rock, St. James on October 29.
A volunteer project launch will be held on November 1; Twitter town hall on November 2; pop up visits by Mr. Green on November 15, 17, 20 and 22 in Kingston, St. Andrew, Portland, St. James and Manchester, respectively; a Vision 2030 event on November 16; and the celebration of International Students’ Day, and a Facebook town hall on November 20.
On November 22, a Fi Wi Voice Youth Perspective Forum will be held; Youth Ambassadors Programme installation ceremony on November 23; National Youth Council Elections on November 25; a sports competition on November 26; and National Youth Parliament on November 27.
The Prime Minister’s Youth Awards for Excellence to recognise young people, who have excelled in various areas, will be held on December 3.
Youth Month celebrates the resilience and creativity of Jamaica’ young people. The primary objectives are to advance youth participation in the socio-political, economic, cultural and religious processes of society; and celebrate and highlight the outstanding contributions and achievements of Jamaican youth.
The observation also serves to showcase and display the best of youth talent in Jamaica, promote national pride and goodwill, as well as foster national, community and youth development.
The launch included a ‘Paint and Sip’ event, where the young people in attendance were encouraged to create their own keepsake paintings. The event climaxed with a party.
CAPTION: State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, the Hon. Floyd Green, observes young people creating works of art at the launch of Youth Month launch on Thursday, October 26 at the Serengeti, Hope Zoo in St. Andrew.