Why Strengthen Youth Clubs

WHY STRENGTHEN THE YOUTH CLUB MOVEMENT?

THE CHALLENGES

• Over 70% decline in the number of youth clubs islandwide since 1998, and likelihood of further decline in the absence of immediate intervention
• Correspondent increase in the likelihood of youth being victims or perpetrators of violent crime in Jamaica
• Approximately 140,000 young Jamaicans considered to be 'unattached'
• Heightened levels of apathy towards civic engagement and participation
• Absence of clear governance structures and coordination of support to youth clubs

THE YOUTH CLUB RESPONSE

Research shows that youth clubs...

• Are key intervention points for reaching at-risk youth and enabling youth participation in productive activity
• Provide a protective factor against adolescent delinquency
• Support the development of positive youth identity, social capital, cognitive, emotional, employability and social skills
• Are a best practice for reducing social marginalisation, promoting good citizenship and building civic competencies