As the final quarter of the Youth Empowerment 2024 Forum unfolded, an exciting blend of ideas, achievements, and powerful visions for the future took centre stage, offering youth, corporate leaders, and community stakeholders a unified roadmap to empowerment. Hosted by Clevena Brown and featuring an inspiring panel of youth leaders, advocates, and sponsor, Juici Patties, the forum delivered a lasting call to action for Jamaicans everywhere.
Setting the Tone: Opening Remarks and Warm Welcome
The forum began with energising remarks from Winsome Sherrier Witter, executive producer for Serenity Resource Connector. She then introduced the host, Clevena Brown, who warmly welcomed the audience and introduced the distinguished panellists: Andrew Johnson from the National Youth Council of Jamaica, Ricardo Fairman of the National Police Youth Club Movement, Laurel Williams from the National Secondary Students Council, Ganesh Nactie of the MultiCare Youth Foundation, and Sheri-Gaye Johnson representing Juici Patties. Their introductions set a tone of optimism, purpose, and possibility for young people and the broader Jamaican community.
Achievements That Inspire: Milestones and Reflections in Youth Empowerment Jamaica
Andrew Johnson led the discussion by celebrating milestones such as the opening of new youth innovation centres aimed at empowering young leaders across the country. He highlighted grassroots advocacy efforts and strategic plans to deepen youth engagement and leadership opportunities as part of a forward-looking vision for 2025.
Ricardo Fairman shared impactful initiatives from the National Police Youth Club Movement, celebrating its 70-year legacy. By combining skills training and sports programmes, the club has achieved a marked reduction in youth crime, highlighting the role of strong youth law enforcement relationships in building safer communities.
Laurel Williams tackled issues affecting students today, including mental health and discipline challenges, with insights into the National Secondary Students Council's holistic initiatives. Programmes like the College Bound series and regional capacity-building workshops are empowering students both academically and personally.
Mentorship and Development: Empowering Youth at Every Step
Ganesh Nactie from the MultiCare Youth Foundation spoke about their goal-driven mentorship programmes targeting unattached and at-risk youth. By pairing mentorship with essential support services, they are creating pathways to success and resilience, illustrating the transformative impact of focused guidance.
Corporate Support in Action: Juici Patties' Commitment to Youth
Sheri-Gaye Johnson of Juici Patties highlighted the critical role of corporate involvement in youth development. Celebrating its 20th year, Juici Patties' Youth Leadership Workshop and Volunteer Programme continues to build leadership skills among youth, providing opportunities for community service projects like constructing tiny homes for hurricane victims. This long-standing programme demonstrates Juici Patties' commitment to meaningful, community-centred empowerment.
Engaging and Inspiring the Audience
Audience members eagerly joined in, asking how to connect to mentorship and youth programmes. Contact information and resources were shared, sparking a strong sense of community support and a desire for further dialogue. Juici Patties and Serenity Resource Connector were applauded for their partnership and contribution to these empowering initiatives.
Panel Insights: Building a Vision for 2025
The panellists each shared their aspirations and strategies for 2025. Andrew Johnson discussed harnessing Jamaica’s strengths to overcome its challenges, calling for greater youth inclusion and partnerships. Laurel Williams advocated for stronger student representation to enrich education, while Ganesh Nactie and Ricardo Fairman outlined plans to expand successful programmes that target at-risk youth and community safety.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action for All Jamaicans
As the forum drew to a close, panellists emphasised the power of unity, collaboration, and proactive engagement in creating a brighter future for Jamaica's youth. This forum was not just a reflection on past achievements, but a powerful call for ongoing growth, support, and innovation. Plans for an even more impactful Youth Empowerment Forum in 2025 were revealed, promising fresh, dynamic opportunities for Jamaica’s youth.
Now is the time to get involved! Whether you're a young person eager to make a difference, a corporate partner seeking to invest in future leaders or a community member committed to progress, there’s a role for everyone. Watch the replay here and join us in the journey towards a better tomorrow.
Thank you to Juici Patties for partnering with us to make this forum a success, showcasing the power of corporate investment in Jamaica’s youth and communities. Let’s unite for positive change and pave the way for generations to come.
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