Youth of the World Foundation

Welcome to the Youth of the World website.
We are all about Youth.

Jamaican youth are key agents for social change, economic development, and technological innovation and are major human resources for development. Youths are also an important demographic group, comprising almost one-third of the population. Less than one-half of Jamaican youth live in households with both parents and nearly one in five under 18 live in households without either parent—placing such youth at greater risk for a range of negative outcomes.

The policy and program responses must recognize the complexity of the factors that contribute to single-parent, unstable households. While efforts must continue to address the root causes of such instability, policies, and programs for young people must acknowledge the variation in their living arrangements. Strong community and social structures are important in ensuring positive youth development. It has been found in Jamaica and elsewhere that “… the relationship between poverty and violence is mediated… through social institutions, ranging from the family through local organizations such as sports clubs and dance groups to formal institutions such as churches, and schools.”

Consequently, private sector organizations should be encouraged to address issues of youth socialization and economic opportunities to an even greater extent than they are currently doing. These organizations are uniquely placed to facilitate young people’s development as they prepare for the journey to be future leaders.