Youth evade crime trap through employment programme

CSJP, Monday, May 3, 2010: For unemployed young people from vulnerable and volatile communities served by the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) of the Ministry of National Security, there is a chance for a job and work experience through CSJP’s Employment Internship Programme (EIP).

The EIP, launched in 2008, engages partners in the public and private sector to employ youth for a set period after which they may be retained for fulltime employment.

It aims to build self esteem, reduce unemployment and curb the stigma attached to inner city job seekers.

The EIP is implemented and funded by the CSJP. A similar EIP is coordinated by the CSJP with funding provided by the European Union’s 10th European Development Fund under its Poverty Reduction Programme II.

The Programme targets at risk youth who have gained at least three subjects in local examinations. The youth are then interned in a real life work situation at a local company or institution for a period of six months.

Those who are not employed have the option of accessing a CSJP scholarship to pursue studies in their areas of interest.

Employers make the difference

Under the programme, employers provide supervision and mentoring, while the employees are trained and paid a stipend by CSJP. At the end of each quarter, an assessment is conducted by the employer for each participant.

The project started with 32 participants and six companies, among them Churches Cooperative Credit Union, British Caribbean Insurance Company (BCIC) Statistical Institute (STATIN) and the Jamaica Stock Exchange and Ultimate Jamaica

Since then, the list of companies has grown to include Guardian Life Insurance, IBM and the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

CSJP Senior Community Action Officer, Denise Adams urged private and public sector companies to partner with the CSJP in providing internship opportunities for countless youth from volatile and vulnerable communities who possess the subjects and the aptitude for the workplace. Employers who are interested in partnering with the CSJP may call Ms Denise Adams, on 906 4714.

Adams reports that of the initial batch of interns under the EIP, 10 persons received permanent employment in 2008, and another four in 2009.

She says the programme was introduced to reduce the frustration felt by young persons who though educated, were unable to find jobs in the formal sector.

Unattached youth with subjects – prime target

Another objective, she said, was to deter any potential involvement in criminal activity. She explained that educated, unattached youth, with their enhanced intelligence or particular skill sets, were often readily recruited by crime bosses, especially in inner city areas.

Since the introduction of the programme, she says, the response has been tremendous. “Overall the impact has been great. The persons themselves have been showing an improvement in their self esteem and in their values and attitudes. No longer do they feel themselves helpless about their future or feel left out.”

Adams says even the companies have reported benefits from the initiative, evidenced by the steady employment from the ranks of the interns and the shift in their perception.

“The programme I think has helped because it has reduced stigmatization of persons from innercity communities. Some employers were still a bit apprehensive, and a few asked to do background checks (these were allowed in instances where background checks were standard for the companies and where sensitive information was a part of the company’s work), but overall the programme was well received.”

She says there are plans to expand the programme, possibly including a volunteer component among its features.

Contact Gillian Scott, CSJP Social Marketing Coordinator

Tel: 564 2028 or 906 4714

MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY

CITIZEN SECURITY AND JUSTICE PROGRAMME

PROGRAMME EXECUTION UNIT (PEU)
OXFORD HOUSE                                                                                GROUND FLOOR

6 OXFORD ROAD

KINGSTON 5

JAMAICA