Anisa Wilson-Smith
Be honest! When you hear people taking about Jamaica’s young people, what are some comments you usually hear? …………………………… You are absolutely right! The comments are generally negative! ‘Dem noh have noh manners!’ ‘Dem good fi nutten!’ ‘Dem worthless!’ ‘Dem wicked!’ ‘Dem noh wan work!’ ‘Dem lazy!’ ‘Dem noh have nohweh a go!’ And the list goes on and on.
Thank God that we have youth development practitioners and other like-minded people who view youth in a positive light. One such person is the publisher of this newspaper, Franklin McKnight! I was delighted when he requested that I resume writing articles that provide information about opportunities for our nation’s youth. I am very grateful for this opportunity to disseminate information about youth opportunities and empowerment. I am particularly happy that this page will be a collaborative effort that will see the submission of articles from leaders in youth development such as: principals, education officers, representatives from the various government agencies that are involved in youth development, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) etc.
The model that will be used to disseminate information is the Positive Youth Development Model. This model sees youth as potential to be harnessed rather than problems to be solved. This model focuses on how we can enhance and utilize the skills and assets of our diverse youth population. I will be exploring how we can provide support by building protective factors for our youth in an effort to help them succeed and develop into productive and constructive adults who contribute to nation building. Each week, I will share an empowerment segment which will help to build the resilient skills of our youth while disseminating information on a particular program or project that provides opportunity for youth to grow, learn and develop their God given potential. Look out! Be sure not to miss these life transforming articles! Even if you are not a youth, you can use the information to help the youths from your community.
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Anisa Wilson-Smith is a Senior Youth Empowerment Officer in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information. She is also the author of the “Empowerment Series”. Send comments to anisa.wilson-smith@moey.gov.jm
