Mr. L. Joash Proctor, Director of Youth and Culture and Ms. Glenyss James, Programme Manager Youth Work Education and Training at the CYP-CC

Ms. Glenyss James, Programme Manager Youth Work Education and Training at the CYP-CC summed up the process and purpose of the standards by stating that:  “The youth development worker must be allowed to craft a career governed by acceptable occupational standards and competencies that promote professionalism in youth development work, CYP-CC in partnership with NCTVET, Jamaica has developed draft competency standards for youth development work.

The standards will identify worker competencies and provides:
- labor market information on job requirements
- a foundation in determining appropriate standards
- guidance for monitoring of training and assessment of youth development workers”

At the two day consultation held at Paradise Cove from the 17th – 18th January, participants were asked to assess whether the units adequately reflect the necessary competencies youth development workers should have, if they are to effectively facilitate the personal, social and educational development of young people.
 

Group Hard At Work

Present at the consultation were representatives from government departments, civil society organizations and individuals with expertise in the area.

Mr. Rodney Rey, Permanent Secretary Education, Sports, Youth and Culture acknowledged that, “success in youth development work will come when youth workers develop the requisite competencies and certification to engage in youth work”. He also confirmed government’s commitment to, “providing the resources for institutional strengthening, human resource development and programme development and delivery”. In highlighting this commitment he brought to the fore recent decisions and actions by the ministry and Department of Youth and Culture, including: “provision of resources for a staff of 7, provision of resources for skills development and support of community based youth groups and a commitment to the development of a dynamic strategic youth development plan.”
 

Ms. Nikesha Mathew, Chair of National Youth Council Steering Committee Presenting her group's findings

Anguilla is the thirteenth country to review the standards, among the 18 commonwealth Caribbean nations. In his remarks, Mr. Joash Proctor, the Director of Youth and Culture place the process in perspective and pointed out that the current process is part of a broader process that has implications for regional and national development as youth workers cater to about two-thirds of the regions population
 

Young Participants at the Event.