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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
STRENGTHENING YOUTH CLUBS WILL SUPPORT...
- the creation of a secure, cohesive and just society as envisioned by the National Development Plan (VISION 2030)
- the positive youth development, and youth participation and empowerment goals of the National Youth Policy
- priority targets in the CARICOM Youth Development Action Plan (CYDAP)
- the mobilisation of youth and youth-led networks to youth-led groups to take action towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals