Over the next eight months, 22 youth leaders will be paired with mentors from the public and private sectors, who will offer them guidance in reaching important personal, national and career goals.
The initiative is being carried out under the Youth for Sustainable Development Mentorship Programme (Y4SD), which was launched on May 30 at the Jamaica Public Service Company’s (JPS) head office in New Kingston.
The Y4SD involves a partnership between the JPS Foundation and the Jamaica Youth Ambassadors Programme (JaYAP) to the United Nations General Assembly, which falls under the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.
The youth leaders will benefit from mentors from the United Nations Delegation in Jamaica, JPS, Sagicor Group, Vantage One Group and the Education Ministry.
Youth Ambassador at the United Nations, Rochelle James, said the mentees will receive guidance and encouragement in their area of interest from the team of mentors.
She noted that the Y4SD programme will promote the core principles of sustainability, nationalism, ambition and innovation, while simultaneously supporting the mentees in their pursuit of key goals.
“This programme will see the mentees completing their personal development plans and providing periodic updates on their progress. They will also participate in monthly personal development workshops,” she informed.
Ms. James said the mentoring programme is important in fostering positive youth development and promoting youth-led growth.
“Strong mentoring relationship can create a meaningful connection that positively influences how our youth transition to adulthood, while improving communities and the fabric of society,” Ms. James said.
The JaYAP aims to promote youth advocacy and facilitate youth participation in decision-making processes.
The programme, implemented in 2000, has produced a number of youth leaders, who have offered representation of Jamaican youth issues at the national, regional and international levels.
