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According to UNICEF violence towards young people is high in the Caribbean and Latin America. Our youths deserve their voices to be heard and not to be subdued into silenced by their abuser. There are a number of youths who try to speak out about their abusers but are sometimes taken for a joke; asked if they have anything to do with it; and or it is sometimes just masked by the personality. The youth program is geared toward helping these youths deal with unresolved situations in their lives and how to manage it. It includes a full investigation into the allegations and finding meaningful ways to address these incidences. In cases where the youths may be unemployed or lack the necessary tools to do something meaningful with their life resources in the form of jobs and classes will be provided for them. The key stakeholders in this venture would be ministry of youth, department of social affairs, counsellors and employers or mentors. Sources of funding would be the government and any other corporal institution willing to make an investment in the lives of these youths to see that they become better men and women of tomorrow. The youths involved progress would be monitored and evaluated by the persons they have been placed under to supervise and assist them. Also, by psychological therapist who would help them manage their internal struggles hoping that they can rise above the violence that was inflicted upon them and be a voice for others in similar situations like them.

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My approach with my youth program begins in the 12-14 year-olds in churches and the highest grade-levels in elementary school. According to UNICEF, “52 percent of young women between the ages of 10 and 18 years who were sexually active say they had sex by the time they were 13 years old”. This is quite a young age and I believe if we can target the conversation from an early age it will decrease the numbers significantly. Working along with the stakeholders- Churches, schools(teachers) and ministry of youth officials, panel discussions can be held, incorporating the morals and values of the bible. To sustain this program, we do not just have discussions, but we maintain a one-on-one counselling relationship (big brother/big sister) with each youth even after. To every single teacher/counselor/minister, etc, we assign atleast 5-6 youth to continue educating through listening and teaching them and then advocating on their behalf to ensure that if they do become a statistic, This ensures that there are adequate resources to help them through the process and further reintegrate them back into a normal society.

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As stated by UNICEF there are 15 million Indigenous children in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Indigenous community has high levels of alcoholism, drug addiction and suicides because of poverty, discrimination and unstable families. My youth program would work towards helping the adolescents apart of the Indigenous community. Specifically, the program would target the age group of 14-18 years old, to improve their day to day lives, get them help they may need and allow them to be apart of something bigger with people they can relate to. Stakeholders of this program would be volunteers to help guide, schedule and plan activities and programs, the Indigenous youth because they are going to be the one establishing what they would like to gain from the program. The program will provide mentors and peer support through several activities and workshops. It will mainly be funded through the government, donations from organizations and community members. Also fundraisers will be held to raise money for the program and specific workshops. To integrate this youth program into the Indigenous community it will be available in local, public places such as recreation centres or schools. It will be available for anyone who is part of the Indigenous community and in the age range of 14-18. The goal of this youth program is to provide support and education to the youth on important topics that effect specifically the Indigenous community through fun, inclusive activities and workshops. It also is a way for individuals to have a place to go to and seek help if needed.

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Mahik Rakkar- This is a really great idea! Here is a visual I found with some statistics on the percentage of people in the Caribbean and Latin America that claim they have been a victim of crime. http://www.knowviolenceinchildhood.org/blog/youth-and-violence-in-latin-america/

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Mahik Rakkar- Very interesting idea to help decrease adolescent pregnancies! Is this youth program specifically for individuals who follow the religion?
Attached is a link to more information about adolescent pregnancies all around the world!

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A matter of human rights

Early pregnancy and motherhood are closely linked to issues of human rights. A pregnant girl who is pressured or forced to leave school, for example, is denied her right to an education. A girl who is prevented from accessing contraception or reproductive health information is denied her right to health.

At the same time, girls who are vulnerable are more likely to become pregnant. In every region of the world - including high-income countries - girls who are poor, poorly educated or living in rural areas are at greater risk of becoming pregnant than those who are wealthier, well-educated or urban. This is true on a global level, as well: 95 per cent of the world's births to adolescents (girls aged 15-19) take place in low- and middle-income countries. Every year, some 3 million girls in this age bracket resort to unsafe abortions, risking their lives and health.

Girls who lack choices and opportunities in life, or who have limited or no access to sexual and reproductive health care, are more likely to become pregnant. Girls forced into child marriage - a violation of their human rights - are also more likely to become pregnant. In developing countries, nine out of 10 births to adolescent girls occur within a marriage or a union.

Health consequences

Pregnancy can lead to devastating health consequences for girls. Many adolescents are not yet physically ready for pregnancy or childbirth, and are therefore more vulnerable to complications. Additionally, adolescents who become pregnant tend to be from lower-income households, and many are nutritionally depleted, increasing the risks associated with pregnancy and childbearing.

Tens of thousands of adolescents die annually of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. In fact, these are the leading cause of death among adolescent girls, aged 15-19, globally.

Health problems are even more likely if a girl becomes pregnant too soon after reaching puberty. In low- and middle-income countries, the risk of maternal death for girls under age 15 is higher than for women in their twenties. These girls also face health risks such as obstetric fistula, and their babies face greater risks as well.

Effects on education and income

Adolescent pregnancy takes an enormous toll on a girl's education and income-earning potential. Many girls who become pregnant are pressured or forced to drop out of school. Girls not in school are also more likely to become pregnant.

Leaving school jeopardizes a girl's future economic prospects and excludes her from other opportunities in life. By contrast, girls who remain in school are better prepared for jobs, livelihoods and life's other transitions. Education also raises their status in their households and communities, and gives them more say in decisions that affect their lives. An educated girl is less likely to enter into a child marriage. She is also better able to delay childbearing, and is more likely to have a healthy pregnancy, with better outcomes for her future children.

The way forward

Many countries are working to prevent adolescent pregnancy. Unfortunately, these efforts often implicitly fault girls and aim only to change their behaviours, rather than address the underlying drivers of early pregnancy. Such drivers include gender inequality, poverty, sexual violence and coercion, child marriage, social pressures, exclusion from educational and job opportunities, and negative attitudes about girls. Many efforts also neglect to account for the role of boys and men.

A more holistic approach is required to support girls' rights and to empower them to avoid early pregnancy. Such an approach should include the provision of age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education for all young people; investment in girls' education, especially through the secondary level; the prevention of child, early and forced marriage, sexual violence, and coercion; the building of gender-equitable societies by empowering girls and engaging men and boys; and measures to ensure adolescents' access to sexual and reproductive health information as well as services that welcome them and facilitate their choices.

What is UNFPA doing?

UNFPA works with partners, including governments, civil society and youth-led organizations, to extend access to sexual and reproductive health information, counselling and services, including contraception, to all young people. UNFPA also advocates the integration of comprehensive sexuality education into school curricula, and supports programmes promoting gender equality, especially those reaching vulnerable adolescents and those that support young mothers.

For example, UNFPA has worked with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to develop a strategy on reducing adolescent pregnancies, involving partners at all levels, from community members to schools and young people themselves.

UNFPA also works within communities to end child marriage and empower girls, measures that reduce adolescent pregnancies. The Action for Adolescent Girls programme, for example, is reaching thousands of girls and community members in Ethiopia, Guatemala, India, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zambia with information about human rights, sexual and reproductive health, and the consequences of child marriage and adolescent pregnancy. The Safeguard Young People programme in Southern Africa reaches out to adolescent boys and girls with health information and life skills education.
Updated 19 May 2017.

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Every day in developing countries, 20,000 girls under age 18 give birth. This amounts to 7.3 million births a year. And if all pregnancies are included, not just births, the number of adolescent pregnancies is much higher. When a girl becomes pregnant, her life can change radically.

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Violence
I have taken the initiative to devise and implement a beneficial program that seeks to reduce the prevalence of violent acts that plague the youth population of the Latin American and Caribbean community.
Youth program
• Anti-violence Educational campaign.
Target population
• Children & young adults [ages 8 - 24]
Key Stakeholders
• Parents
• Educational partners (teachers, public and private schools et al)
• The Government
Source of funding
• Virtual Funding page
• Fundraising raffles, concerts, and online events
• Funding from community businesses
• Funding from the Government
Elements of project
• Family involvement
• Quality staff
• Campaign evaluations

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Education, School Dropouts and Unemployment

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Education, School Dropouts and Unemployment

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"Everyone deserves a second/third or even a fourth chance". My plans for the youths of the Caribbean and Latin American regions would seek to combat issues related with education, school dropouts and the high unemployment rates.

Youth programs:

Targeted at: 10-24 age ranges

Education- WSCC outreach program and campaign as it takes a community to help raise a child.
School Dropouts- "Second-Chance
Youth program" -youths given the opportunity earn a high school credential with preparations of entering the workforce or continue on to post-secondary education.

Key Stakeholders:
-Parents, the community as a whole, Schools and The Government.

Elements of Project:
Parental Involvement (Key), Community Involvement
Youth Involvement
Awareness /support services
Government/Youth Ministries

Source of Funding:
To combat these issues not only on a community level but regionally we need Government to take control, assist with funding, get other major funding sources (World bank, IMF) on board to help alleviate issues such as access to education and unemployment faced by our youths.
Kendra De Coteau

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Gender inequality, when related to employment, still exists for women and girls in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to UNICEF. On average, men receive higher wages than women in most workplaces. Creating an annual youth program for girls and women to enhance different skills for a variety of career fields can help them get higher wages and promotions at their jobs.

Key Stakeholders

United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

Local governments

Females between the ages of 13 and 24

Volunteer teachers from various career fields

Source of Funding:

Sponsorships from different local companies

Donations from women empowerment organizations from around the world

Grants from local governments

Individual donations

Elements of Project:

The program will be led by UN Women

It will teach females between the ages of 13 and 24 skills such as leadership, management, teamwork, communication and creativity

This workshop will be held once a year in different countries within Latin America and the Caribbean

Women will get to meet various managers in various career fields and have hands-on experiences

Thalia Simon

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Shaneice Alexander

According to the UNICEF the Caribbean has the 2nd highest prevalence of HIV in the world, after sub-Saharan Africa and the face of HIV/AIDS in the region is becoming, increasingly, an adolescent female face. My plans to combat this issue  is bringing a sense of awareness to young people within my community especially the females since as the diseases is now seen as a feminized one in the Caribbean .My approach to my youth program would be geared to ages 15-24 reasons being because UNICEF census concluded that ‘’740,000 adolescents and young people aged 15 to 24 living with HIV/AIDS in Latin America and the Caribbean. ’I would establish a community health fair surrounding Sexual health and have various boots educating the participants about this deadly disease “HIV/AIDS”
KEY STAKEHOLDER
-COMMUNITY GROUPS
-NEAR BY SCHOOLS IN THE COMMUNITY
-GNOW (GRENADA NATIONAL ORGANIXZATION OF WOMEN)
-Ministry of health personnel :nurses, doctors
-Counselors

Elements of the project
-it would create a safe space for the young females to confide in the doctors or counsellors if they have been sexual active and needs advice
-This community health fair would be once a year in order to move around different parishes or communities
-The young ladies will get a deeper understanding of their sexual health with the do’s and don’t

Funding
-Major funding will come from the government with a collaboration with various companies such as :DIGICEL,GLENGL ,WAGGY T RENTALS .

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i think this would be a successful workshop for women to attend because even in this 21 century there are still certain jobs that are seen as male oriented

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i think this would be a successful workshop for women to attend because even in this 21 century there are still certain jobs that are seen as male oriented

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interesting program , i do think the indigenous community is dying out especially the cultural part of it .

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Latin American and Caribbean people migrate to the US or other countries for several reasons, some of which are, low incomes compared to the US, lower quality of life, and some people just want to start a new life some where better.

According to UNICEF, a decade and a half ago (2005), the number of Latin American and Caribbean immigrants has increased to 25 million. Also, half a million Mexicans migrate to the US annually. Of which one third are children and adolescents.

According to UNICEF, there has been an increase in the amount of children migrating on their own. When children and adolescents migrate they tend to either forget, lose or just not bother with bringing their important documents and thus compromising their education and exposing them to child labor.

My goal is to create a youth program for immigrant children and adolescents. The aim of the program is to provide these young immigrants with education and the necessities to survive in a new country.

Key Stakeholders

Volunteering professionals in different areas of life.

Immigrants who went out to become successful.

The employees as well as the community.

Source of funding

Donations from the public.

Donations from other programs that help immigrants.

Program sponsors.

Elements of Project

Involvement of the immigrant stakeholders to help set a role model and give hope to the youth.

Involvement of teachers to educate the youth.

involvement of sport coaches, mental healthy specialists and nutrition specialists in order to provide the young immigrants with all the necessities needed.

Done by: Assad Batikh

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Good job on this program Shaneice.
Just to add to your information,
these two pictures show the HIV rates in the Latin America and the Caribbean.

https://www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-around-world/latin-america/overview

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Latin America and Caribbean updated August2017_0 (1)

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Education is the most powerful tool to end most of the challenges faced in the Caribbean and Latin America by Adolescents and Youths in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, poverty in most cases is the leading cause for school drop outs and underdeveloped and developing countries the reason for unemployment. Thus, a proper and effective program can be implemented to ensure continuous education for all. Such program will include stake holders as the Government, the youths and other None Governmental Organizations to foster this initiative. Funding can be provided by both the Government and non Governmental organizations to facilitate the program.

This program will accommodate children from ages 4 to 24 irrespective of family background. The aim will be to give each child a good academic foundation, highlighting the program as their key for a chance at a better life. skills as well as academic teachings will be done.

Interactive sessions will be conducted to ensure continuous assessment to meet each individual need.

At the final level, upon assessment each child will branch of to their specialize areas for further development. which again will be programs from a collective group as listed above. Such initiative will eliminate school drop out as the program is fully funded and tailored to the individuals needs. Also there is an opportunity at the end to further themselves.

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Based on a "Fast facts" research done by UNICEF, it is alarming to know that the Caribbean ranks second in the world with approximately 740'000  adolescent ages 15-24 after sub-Saharan Africa which holds first place living with HIV/AIDS. This disease  is mostly common among adolescent female.

To mitigate this fast growing problem, I will organize weekend camps that will target mainly the females between the age of 15-24 since they are the ones most affected. As part of the weekend program, we will have testimonies from persons who are victims of HIV/ AIDS. This will help them understand what they will go through if they don't keep themselves pure, and or practice safe sex.

The youth will be given the opportunity to discuss in groups, and then share their findings on the topic " What impact can HIV/AIDS have on their life'," and that information will be used to create a booklet which will be distributed in the communities. This will help add value to their lives, knowing that they would have contributed to helping fight the problem.

Incorporated in the program will also be medical professionals who will be able to give statistics.

Key stakeholders:

Ministry of Health, Conference of Churches, Schools, Community Groups, Media and Pharmacies

Source of funding

Government, Conference of Churches and the Business Community

Monitor and evaluation

Pastors/youth leaders, counselors, Doctors

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In an article on "Fast facts on Adolescents and Youth in Latin America and the Caribbean", the organization UNICEF stated that  "Approximately 50% of adolescents under age 17 in the Caribbean region are sexually active" and "On average, 38% of women in the region fall pregnant before reaching the age of 20". That means every other adolescent throughout the entire Caribbean engaging in sexual activity, and of that population, most adolescents are doing it the wrong way.

Now, my youth program will not be for the sake of promoting underage sexual relations, however we will be teaching and creating provision for safe sex. What I mean by this is giving adolescents the knowledge about sex and preventative measures against it early. An item as simple as a condom could put a stop to the majority of unplanned pregnancy.

The implementation plan and source of funding for my youth program somewhat tie into each other. The main source of funding would definitely be through a partnership with the ministry of health in various countries. Once the initiative has some money, the kick-start event will be publically held for any individual between 10 - 21. The event will not only  provide information on safe sex to adolescents but also hold food sales, youth group activities etc. to raise money. These events could be held for a certain period of time or multiple times a year since holding it always has a possibility to spread information to open ears. Once enough money is raised and after giving notice through Email, newsletter etc. to the parents of students, , young adults employed by our program can be sent into schools to give presentations on safe sex, and with consent from guardians, be provided with certain contraceptives.
some might not believe that my solution is the best solution. However, my solution which provides young people with information about the right way to do things is much more beneficial than other solutions which aim to demolish the idea entirely that underage sex is not allowed. While correct, "teenagers will be teenagers" and want to make bad decisions. We shouldn't aim to stop them entirely since they would be more likely to do it behind our backs, and so we should work together with them, providing as much information to them as possible, holding their hands as they walk to the starting line of adulthood.

p.s - sorry for writing so much, I got carried away trying to make this make a little sense
regards,
B.F

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Zaria Auld
The youth program in plan is dedicated to educating both genders (ages 15-18) on the prevalence of HIV and AIDS within their community. This program will teach its participants to practice safe sex. Included in this program, along with its educating purposes will be access to free health care facilities, as well as complimentary supplies of certain contraceptives.

Key Stakeholders

·         Ministry of health, ministry of education, local communities, individuals infected with HIV and AIDS

Integration plan

·         With assistance from ministry of education, health and wellness courses can be implemented into the high school curriculum

·         Ministry of health can take initiative to bring awareness of the disease via billboards, posters around low-income communities, as well as in high schools can be posted

·         Local health facilities would advertise free health check-ups on specified days

Source of funding

·         Funding from ministry of health (providing certain contraceptives and healthcare facilities)

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Education, school dropout, and unemployment- Katherine V.

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Education, school dropout, and unemployment- Katherine V.

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As UNICEF says, there are millions of children who don't attend school at all, have dropped out of secondary school, and millions more who are unemployed. Due to these incredibly high numbers, I have decided to start a 3-step program that allows these varying ages to work on their education, or help find jobs for them. The stakeholders for my program would be the government, the parents of these participants, schools willing to contribute, and other willing to contribute to my cause. My thoughts of funding would come from the community by having fund raisers, from companies, and from the government. Lastly, the elements of my program would include people who would help children one on one in achieving their educational goals, three different sections to accommodate those who should be in middle school, secondary/tertiary school, and those looking for job opportunities. I believe schools are also a huge element as ultimately the education is received from them. Parents do have a huge impact on their child, and I would like to bring that on as another element to my program, to educate willing parents to know how to encourage and help their child. I would also like to have a few guidance counsellors involved for a weekly, maybe monthly check up with the children to make sure we are pushing them just enough, and not a lot for them to feel overwhelmed. This program will not only help millions, but also help to kickstart the intelligence children already have in them, and to be confident in their ability. It's all about the positive encouragement, and once they realize they have the support, their own drive will grow.

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Adolescence is one of life’s fascinating and perhaps most complex stages, a time when young people take on new responsibilities and experiment with independence. Children in the context of migration and their families, particularly indigenous people, are among the most vulnerable. The decision to migrate is often related to important life transitions, such as obtaining higher education, finding, and starting work, or getting married. However, for some young people, especially young women and those in irregular situations, the migration process confronts them with particular challenges and confers to them certain vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities include discrimination based on gender, migration status, ethnicity, etc. According  to UNICEF by the end of 2019, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean were hosting 3.9 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees out of the 4.8 million Venezuelans migrating worldwide. Also, there was a significant increase in the number of Latin American and Caribbean migrants in the last decade to nearly 25 million in 2005.

This youth program seeks to target the education of the migrants providing a culturally safe and supportive environment. In creating after-school programs that reflect the safety, academic and cultural needs of  students, it is important to recognize the skills and strengths of small ethno-cultural  organizations to meet the needs of the community. Seeing as they suffer from lack of documentation, funding, and language barriers.

Targeted ages: 4 - 22 years

1. Key stakeholders: Universities, Non -Governmental Organizations, Ministerial sectors of the government, School Boards, Parents, Teachers, Churches & Solid Partnerships with neighboring island.

2. Source of funding: Donations from stakeholders, Governmental Agencies, Fundraising activities, Grants from well-known agencies abroad.

3. Elements of project: Implementing creative,  engaging and culturally appropriate activities can help students improve literacy skills while  also reclaiming positive identities for themselves and their communities.

Establishing partnerships with universities may help the after-school  programs gain access to in-kind resources such as technology, student volunteer time and  space, and research support.

Due to language barrier, in this program there would be non-native English language tutors and staff which provides the added benefit of learning from someone who may have a better understanding of  the experiences learning the English language.

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According to the UNICEF, there is a rise in the number of immigrant children and adolescents migrating unaccompanied, hoping to reunite with missing parents, which places them in danger. Another reason for migration includes fleeing war, conflict, and starting a new life. These young people seek acceptance within their new community, however, most times they are denied access to basic human rights, thereby leading to violence, and exploitation. My youth program would provide basic services to immigrant children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean and help make the transition to a new country smoother.

Target population

10 – 24 years

Key stakeholders
- Young people with a migrant background
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOS)
- Local families
- Social workers

Elements of project
- Cultural classes: incorporating aspects of immigrant’s culture and adaptation strategies for their new environment
- Language classes: teaching them language spoken in their current environment
- Mentoring services: help young people recover from trauma due to adverse life events
- Summer camps: interact with other immigrants and engage in fun activities

Source of funding
- Fundraising events
- Donations from community
- Grants from government

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According to UNICEF, Latin America and the Caribbean has the second highest rate of adolescent pregnancies in the world. On average, 38% of women in the region fall pregnant before reaching the age of 20. Nearly 20 percent of live births in the region are by adolescent mothers. The numbers are huge when it comes to adolescent pregnancy in the Caribbean therefore my program aims to educate children as it is important to spread awareness in order to have a decrease in numbers.

Key Stakeholders:
Teachers: schools must start teaching students about sexual education. It is important that students know about safe sex and the risks they are open to if they have sex at a young age.

Parents: they are the main role models to children. Their sexual involvement at young ages tends to be due to the environment that they are surrounded in or grew up in. They might think that that type of behavior is normal at a young age. Thus, they should definitely have a talk with their children.

Government: for young girls who have to go through teenage, ministry of health should make special schools for them since many girls are told to drop out of school.

Source of Funding: main source will be a partnership with the ministry of health.

Sustainability:
Counselling should be incorporated into these schools and health classes to help them deal with their situations. Counselling would work as they can connect on a personal level. This will help them open up more and help them with their mental health which is extremely important.

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Merryl Phillip-Sylvester Program to be implemented – This program is designed to deal with improving education, reducing school dropout and unemployment among the youth residing in Mardigras.Implementing Agency:Grenada community Development Agency in collaboration with the Division of Youth Executive SummaryThis program puts forward the results of a focus group consultation undertaken in the community of Mardigras, St. George’s/St. David, to get a better understanding of the root cause of problems affecting youth, and to determine how they can be effectively addressed. The general objective was to ascertain the community’s interest in the introduction of an intervention program for the said community. This intervention will seek to supplement the Division of Youth’s efforts to establish an improved, unbiased and comprehensive juvenile justice prevention and response structure, while enhancing the capacity for employable skills among at-risks youth.Secondary objectives of the focus group session were as follows:1. Identify the main dynamics affecting youth in the Mardigras area;2. Through dialogue, develop a plan to respond to the challenges identified;3. Design an intervention program that could be implemented in the Mardigras community.BackgroundThe Government of Grenada, having given consideration to the high levels of unemployment among the youth, and the resulting negative fall outs, has decided to collaborate with GRENCODA. The aim of this collaboration is to develop and implement a program geared towards providing employment opportunities for the youth, particularly in the Mardigras area.  The Division of Youth has responsibility for implementation and execution of programs and auxiliary services in collaboration with Private Sector and Non – Governmental Organisations.  Mission To provide opportunities for the improvement, empowerment and development of the human resource capital among youth for sustainable development and nation building.Vision To be the leading change agent providing opportunities for the complete development of our people through youth empowerment.The following list shows key components of the profile for Mardigras community.Name: Mardigras Location: Mardigras, St. David/St. George’sGrenada Constituency: St. George’s Population (approx.): Residents 5% Non-residents: 95% Youth Population (approx): 65% Youth Unemployed (approx.):60% Main Sources of Income: Small business (bars), farming, masonry, gambling, general construction, hustling and selling illegal drugs Recreational Activities: Recreational drinking and smoking, cards, dominoes Primary Schools: There are one (1) Primary Schools and one (1) Pre Primary school within 1 mile of community Secondary Schools: There is one (1) Secondary School within 1 mile of community Churches: There are five (5) churches within 1 mile of communityThe community has a reputation for being occasionally violent with three (3) murders and two (2) stabbings within the last five (5) years. There is the sporadic presence of police as a result of drugs and violence. Despite the negatives associated with Mardigras, the residents boast of a close comradery, brilliant young men and women, successful small businesses and people whom have achieved excellence. It’s against this backdrop that many people are off the view that once given the opportunity these youth will experience their own success.RATIONALEHaving carefully reviewed the nature of the community and the urgent need for a youth diversion and intervention program to address the aforementioned issues. •	Engagement in deviant and violent behaviour;•	Engaging in the use and abuse of marijuana and alcohol as a normal social behaviour;•	Engaging in gambling;•	Use of obscenities.Some of the major education challenges include:•	Low level of education among a substantial number of youth;•	Youth who finished neither primary nor secondary school;•	High dropout rate among youth;•	A number of youth who can neither read nor write;•	Little or no employable skills among the youth;•	 Little certification among people with skills.Program DescriptionThe program would be branded under the name Illuminate. The concept came into conceptualization as a result of the need to bring a glimmer of light and hope to the vulnerable and at risk youth within the Mardigras Area. This light would shine and lead to a pathway of sustainable development.The program is expected to complete within a six (6) month period and would focus on forty (40) at risk youth within the age 18-40 years in the Mardigras Area. A collaborative approach would be utilized with a broad based number of stakeholders.The rationale for choosing the youth in the Mardigras area is based on the high prevalence of unemployment, violence and drug abuse.    Objectives of the project includes:All young people between the ages of 18-38 who frequent the Mardigras Area are eligible to enter the programme. The programme seeks to:•	To reduce unemployment, crime and violence in the Mardigras area;•	To implement a self-development programme to assist participants to develop positive values and attitudes with a focus on discipline;•	To provide an opportunity for the youth to acquire employable skills;•	To encourage an entrepreneurial spirit among the residents of Mardigras,  and provide them with education and training, financing and other forms of support;•	To expand the academic levels of the participants.Areas of Training - Life Skills, Literacy and Numeracy TrainingTraining in life skills and basic reading ability and proficiency, aimed at personal development while achieving educational milestones would be provided.1. Performing ArtsA cultural programme would be developed and implemented by qualified facilitators geared towards providing support to participants in various disciplines.2. Technical and Vocational Skills TrainingTraining in General Construction and Agriculture up to CVQ Level 1.3. Customer Service Delivery and Micro and Small Business Management TrainingThe primary focus would be on business development, mentoring, customer care/ service, budgeting / planning and business plan writing. Upon successful completion, participants will have the opportunity to apply for a GYEI loan.DurationEach cohort will be for a six (6) weeks duration, 3 days per week, 9:00am to 12:00 noon.CertificationThe successful trainees will get an NVQ Level 1 certificate upon completion.StakeholdersThe main stakeholders would include, GRENCODA, The Government of Grenada, The Division of Youth, Ministry of Culture, Grenada Investment Development Corporation, Ministry of Education, and the Private Sector.Monitoring and EvaluationParticipants would be appraised before, during and after every cohort of the program to ascertain whether the objectives of the program are being met.Source of FundingThere would be a collaborative approach for the funding of the program which would be provided by the GRENCODA and the Government of Grenada.

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Merryl Phillip-Sylvester Program to be implemented – This program is designed to deal with improving education, reducing school dropout and unemployment among the youth residing in Mardigras.Implementing Agency:Grenada community Development Agency in collaboration with the Division of Youth Executive SummaryThis program puts forward the results of a focus group consultation undertaken in the community of Mardigras, St. George’s/St. David, to get a better understanding of the root cause of problems affecting youth, and to determine how they can be effectively addressed. The general objective was to ascertain the community’s interest in the introduction of an intervention program for the said community. This intervention will seek to supplement the Division of Youth’s efforts to establish an improved, unbiased and comprehensive juvenile justice prevention and response structure, while enhancing the capacity for employable skills among at-risks youth.Secondary objectives of the focus group session were as follows:1. Identify the main dynamics affecting youth in the Mardigras area;2. Through dialogue, develop a plan to respond to the challenges identified;3. Design an intervention program that could be implemented in the Mardigras community.BackgroundThe Government of Grenada, having given consideration to the high levels of unemployment among the youth, and the resulting negative fall outs, has decided to collaborate with GRENCODA. The aim of this collaboration is to develop and implement a program geared towards providing employment opportunities for the youth, particularly in the Mardigras area.  The Division of Youth has responsibility for implementation and execution of programs and auxiliary services in collaboration with Private Sector and Non – Governmental Organisations.  Mission To provide opportunities for the improvement, empowerment and development of the human resource capital among youth for sustainable development and nation building.Vision To be the leading change agent providing opportunities for the complete development of our people through youth empowerment.The following list shows key components of the profile for Mardigras community.Name: Mardigras Location: Mardigras, St. David/St. George’sGrenada Constituency: St. George’s Population (approx.): Residents 5% Non-residents: 95% Youth Population (approx): 65% Youth Unemployed (approx.):60% Main Sources of Income: Small business (bars), farming, masonry, gambling, general construction, hustling and selling illegal drugs Recreational Activities: Recreational drinking and smoking, cards, dominoes Primary Schools: There are one (1) Primary Schools and one (1) Pre Primary school within 1 mile of community Secondary Schools: There is one (1) Secondary School within 1 mile of community Churches: There are five (5) churches within 1 mile of communityThe community has a reputation for being occasionally violent with three (3) murders and two (2) stabbings within the last five (5) years. There is the sporadic presence of police as a result of drugs and violence. Despite the negatives associated with Mardigras, the residents boast of a close comradery, brilliant young men and women, successful small businesses and people whom have achieved excellence. It’s against this backdrop that many people are off the view that once given the opportunity these youth will experience their own success.RATIONALEHaving carefully reviewed the nature of the community and the urgent need for a youth diversion and intervention program to address the aforementioned issues. •	Engagement in deviant and violent behaviour;•	Engaging in the use and abuse of marijuana and alcohol as a normal social behaviour;•	Engaging in gambling;•	Use of obscenities.Some of the major education challenges include:•	Low level of education among a substantial number of youth;•	Youth who finished neither primary nor secondary school;•	High dropout rate among youth;•	A number of youth who can neither read nor write;•	Little or no employable skills among the youth;•	 Little certification among people with skills.Program DescriptionThe program would be branded under the name Illuminate. The concept came into conceptualization as a result of the need to bring a glimmer of light and hope to the vulnerable and at risk youth within the Mardigras Area. This light would shine and lead to a pathway of sustainable development.The program is expected to complete within a six (6) month period and would focus on forty (40) at risk youth within the age 18-40 years in the Mardigras Area. A collaborative approach would be utilized with a broad based number of stakeholders.The rationale for choosing the youth in the Mardigras area is based on the high prevalence of unemployment, violence and drug abuse.    Objectives of the project includes:All young people between the ages of 18-38 who frequent the Mardigras Area are eligible to enter the programme. The programme seeks to:•	To reduce unemployment, crime and violence in the Mardigras area;•	To implement a self-development programme to assist participants to develop positive values and attitudes with a focus on discipline;•	To provide an opportunity for the youth to acquire employable skills;•	To encourage an entrepreneurial spirit among the residents of Mardigras,  and provide them with education and training, financing and other forms of support;•	To expand the academic levels of the participants.Areas of Training - Life Skills, Literacy and Numeracy TrainingTraining in life skills and basic reading ability and proficiency, aimed at personal development while achieving educational milestones would be provided.1. Performing ArtsA cultural programme would be developed and implemented by qualified facilitators geared towards providing support to participants in various disciplines.2. Technical and Vocational Skills TrainingTraining in General Construction and Agriculture up to CVQ Level 1.3. Customer Service Delivery and Micro and Small Business Management TrainingThe primary focus would be on business development, mentoring, customer care/ service, budgeting / planning and business plan writing. Upon successful completion, participants will have the opportunity to apply for a GYEI loan.DurationEach cohort will be for a six (6) weeks duration, 3 days per week, 9:00am to 12:00 noon.CertificationThe successful trainees will get an NVQ Level 1 certificate upon completion.StakeholdersThe main stakeholders would include, GRENCODA, The Government of Grenada, The Division of Youth, Ministry of Culture, Grenada Investment Development Corporation, Ministry of Education, and the Private Sector.Monitoring and EvaluationParticipants would be appraised before, during and after every cohort of the program to ascertain whether the objectives of the program are being met.Source of FundingThere would be a collaborative approach for the funding of the program which would be provided by the GRENCODA and the Government of Grenada.

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The article provided statistics and facts on HIV/AIDS in Latin America and the Caribbean. The data presented suggested that the number of persons infected with HIV/AIDS is growing. Therefore, a youth program must be developed. My program would target persons between ages 10-24. It would be done through seminars in schools, communities and churches. The aim is to inform communities of the preventative measures one can take to avoid infection. It would highlight helpful facilities such as the health clinic and provide information on what can be done if someone thinks they have been infected.

The key stakeholders of this program would be:

1.      The ministry of health

2.      HIV infected individuals

3.      Health workers

4.      Educators

5.      Community groups

6.      Churches

7.      Pharmacies

Source of funding for this program can be through:

1.      Government

2.      International Donors

To effectively monitor and evaluate this program the following can be done:

1.      Complete a comparative analysis to see if there has been any change in the community in terms of the number of infected individuals. If the program is successful, there should be a decrease.

2.      Hand out surveys to get feedback on the program.

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According to UNICEF  domestic violence is rampant in all countries in the region of the Caribbean and Latin America, an estimated forty percent of women experience domestic violence. In the Caribbean women are still seen as domestic help to some males, therefore when they speak up the women are often beaten and abused by their partner or spouse. This work shop is aimed at educating women to don’t be silenced and they will always have a voice in the household. These women will be given classes and employment opportunities so they would not have to depend on their spouse.

Key Stakeholders:
- local Government
- females that are abused or been the victim of domestic violence.
- volunteers.

Source of funding:
- sponsors from other countries
- local Government Grants
- citizens donations
- Woman empowerment programs.

Elements of project:
-  This workshop will be held once a month in various communities across the island.
- These women will get to meet counselors and other domestic violence victims in a safe and comfortable space.
- The workshop will be led by women that were victims of domestic violence.

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The youths of today are the future generation of tomorrow.

Education is considered one of the most fundamental mechanisms that help improve growth, development, and career opportunities. My instrumental plans for the Adolescents and Youths in the Latin America and the Caribbean would seek ways of alleviating the underlining issues or factors with education, school dropout, and increase in unemployment. In so doing, a dynamic and collaborative program will be executed for a sound educational foundation for each individual. According to UNICEF, most of these factors are stemmed from poverty.

This program will be geared towards children age ranging from 8 to 25. The intended purpose is to provide each child with an early stage of teaching and skill opportunities in ensuring that they get a satisfactory academic basis. There will be live sessions, discussions, and other interactive forums as a way of guiding and assessing the ability of each individual. It is also important to note that each individual has a different learning ability and as such should treat equally.

Therefore, once these programs are implemented each child will be given a personal appraisal report, where they will further themselves for career development and sustainability.

Key Stakeholders include: Government and Government Officials, Non-Governments Institutions, Parents, Teachers, Community and Churches.

Elements of the Project include: Government and Non-Government Organizations, Youth Groups and Community Involvement, Counselors, and Parental Collaboration.

Source of Funding includes: Government, Grants from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Banks and other Creditable Institutions and Community Involvement.

In order to eliminate these burning issues, all of the above-mentioned corporate groups can be part of the process in making a significant difference in education, school dropout, and the high unemployment rate.

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As stated in the UNICEF fact sheet, Latin America and the Caribbean is considered to be one of the most violent regions in the world. 6 million children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean suffer severe abuse, including abandonment, each year. As a teenager that was born and raised in the Caribbean, I see the truthfulness of this statement every time I walk out of my home. It is disheartening to see the amount of youths that fall prey to violence due to the fact that they are not being heard, sometimes especially by the people who claim that they love them. The aim of this program is to help young people learn ways to deal with situations and how to manage themselves if they end up in that predicament again. It also will dip into the aspect of life if they continue on that negative path. Therefore, my youth program would be geared towards the ages 8 to 20. I used this age group because perpetrators and gang recruiters usually start from early with allowing there young members to carry out menial tasks as an “initiation” into the group. Thus, continuing the spread of violence throughout the community.

Key stakeholders: parents/guardians, counselors and other education professionals are all some of the people that will get this program up and running. Parents/ guardians and education professionals will be there as a support system to see these youths through, and to ensure that they have a leveled head as they step out into the world for themselves.

Source of funding: my funding will come from virtual sponsors (eg. gofundme), donations for organizations and the general public, collaborations with other programs/companies and fund raisers.

Elements of Project:

It would create a safe space for youths to express themselves without having to feel like they’re being judged.

This program would run once a week so that youths can have the ability to confide in their peers and others at the end of the week to talk and learn coping strategies.

Once a month, there would be presentations from guest speakers talking from different aspects of life. For example, one week, a psychologist would talk about the psychological affects that violence and abuse causes. Another week, a former gang member who has changed their life, will come and present on how life was as a gang member, and give a REAL explanation on why no one would want to live that type of life etc.

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UNICEF states that in Latin America and the Caribbean, 10 million young people are unemployed, and 30 million of them are working under precarious conditions. Therefore, I would like to establish a youth program that provides vocational education, supports personal protective equipment, educates employers for a safe working environment, and implements insurance services.

First, consistent vocational education for unemployed adolescents can help them get a job. It should be hosted by specialists who can help people learn skills directly to work, increasing the likelihood of getting employed. A public location such as a community hall is needed to have more opportunities to take classes.

Second, for young adults working in insecure conditions, support of personal protective equipment is needed. It can lessen the risk of an accident while working. Moreover, employers should be educated to know the importance of protecting young employees from dangerous workplaces and to remove precarious factors, making their places safer. Last, implementing insurance service or similar policy that can ensure compensating young adults’ workplace injuries is needed. It should be planned considering the finance and health sectors of the country.

1. Key Stakeholders: Government, specialists in vocational education (teachers), parents, and local community

2. Sources of Funding: Main support from the government, donation from individuals or companies, and collaboration with other programs/businesses.

3. Monitor and Evaluation:

- Monitor participation of unemployed young adults and employers

- Monitor exposure of program (education sessions)

- Evaluate how much the workplace changed in safety aspect (It can be done by related professionalist, or by a survey to employees)

- Evaluate the quality and satisfaction of vocational education by the survey.

- Evaluate the usage and effectiveness of supported personal protective equipment
- Compare data of young adult’s employment rates before and after the program.
- Compare and analyze data of occupational accident rates before and after the program.

- Organize and analyze data of the number of workers compensated for workplace injuries. (The outcome and efficiency of insurance services.)

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Gender

I choose Gender appropriation against female adolescence. And this age they are supposed to be allowed to have voices, have dream, and not oppressed by the society or parents due to archaic believes.  Females are usually growing into their bodies, and mind around the age of adolescence they should be encouraged, educated, and protected.  My youth programme will be focused on empowering, helping these young ladies discover their strength, and interests.

·       In Latin American and Caribbean girls and women continue to face deep-rooted gender stereotypes, gendered division of labor, unequal wealth distribution and violence. Economically, females earn an average 30 per cent less than males in the region.

·       Despite recent legal reforms, domestic and sexual violence are still rampant in all countries in the region, affecting an estimated 40 percent of women.

·       70% to 80% of adolescents in the West Indies University that go for final exams are female. Only 20% to 30% are male.

1.     Key stakeholders

a.     Government

b.     Health care provides, and Police

c.     Educators

d.     Parents

e.     Female in the age of adolescent

2.     Source of Funding

a.     Company

i.     Any company that is known to either sell female product or Family Charity

b.     Government

c.     Parents

d.     Anybody

i.     Any citizen that wants to contribute

3.     Sustainability

a.     Hosting charity events, Fundays, concerts etc.

b.     Having talks in school and workplaces

c.     Opening a website that is functioning

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The Indigenous people of Latin America and the Caribbean deserve more. By Benedict Oguejiofor

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The Indigenous people of Latin America and the Caribbean deserve more. By Benedict Oguejiofor

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In Latin America and the Caribbean, there are 15 million indigenous children and adolescents. Although they make up a large part of the society, they also suffer high level of poverty, discrimination, and family destabilization. All of these result to alcoholism, drug addiction, and suicide.
Youth programs:
The targeted population for this program is the youth of age range 15-24.  The goal of this program is to involve as many people from the indigenous community in the growth of the society. If the younger ones are put into educational institutions on a scholarship and the older ones are found jobs, it could help in getting their lives back on track.
Key Stakeholders:
1. The local government will be the key stakeholders for this program because they would be the ones providing scholarships for the children.
2. NGOs (Non governmental Organizations)
Source of Funding:
1. Donations from other NGOs.
2. Grants from the local governments.
3. Individual donations.
Sustainability:
To keep this youth program going, it is important that the public is reminded why it was implemented in the first place from time to time. This can be done through arranging seminars Records should be taken on how the youth's life has been impacted by the program to encourage the key stakeholders and sources of fund to keep investing in this program.

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Education, School dropout and unemployment

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Education, School dropout and unemployment

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Based on information retrieved from UNICEF over 35 million children between ages 3 to 18 years in the Caribbean and Latin America become truants/ school dropouts from school. The statistics also show that over 30 million secondary school-aged are not attending school. Added to that, the unemployment rates are just as alarming. Due to these high rates of school dropouts and unemployment my youth program will seek to target school aged students ages 3-18 years, teachers, and parents of these students. Education has been proven to be the key to breaking the cycle of a number of societal ills which include poverty and as a result, the program will seek to provide the option of both formal education and vocational and skills training for students and parents/ adults. Since the children are not operating on their own, outreach programs will also need to be conducted to provide for adult literacy and skills training with the assistance of skilled and competent teachers. This youth and adult initiative in the long run will create skilled individuals that can later join the workforce and even create their own forms of employment.

Elements of Project:

Government and Government Agencies, Donor and Funding Agencies such as Basic Needs Fund, Youths and Parental Groups, Schools/ Community Centres/ Vocational Centres.

Key Stakeholders:

Government and Government Agencies, Donor and Funding Agencies, Teachers, Parents.

Source of Funding:

Government and Government Agencies, Donor and Funding Agencies such as Basic Needs Fund, Business entities, Donors.

Nacaya Forte

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Gender

As stated by UNICEF, Gender equality, is still present for women when compared to employment and job opportunities, in Latin America and the Caribbean. As an average, women earn 30 percent less than men in the region. I am creating a youth program for women to develop skills in various career fields and to promote them to get higher salary/ wages.

Key Stakeholders:
· Government.

· Team members within the program/ organization.

· The youth population from 15 to 24.

Sources of Funding:
· Donations from women empowerment & buildup associations, and from individuals.

· Sponsorships from national or even international companies and associations.

· Local government funding or grants.

Sustainability:
· Hosting activities, fun-days, and speeches.

· Staying active through communication by creating websites and group chats.

· Hosting speeches and small conversations.

- Abinaya Kumar

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As sourced by the UNICEF, 8 countries total in Latin America and the Caribbean allow the prosecution of minors as adults. This is completely unfair and puts children in danger of being harmed whiles in prison with fully adult criminals.
I would want to open up a program that helps these children in the judicial process as children should not be penalized as harshly as adults for something they may not fully understand or can change from.
Source of funding: Documentaries such as When They See Us highlights the unfair nature of the judicial system. With the right campaigning, various funding events and programs can take place where regular citizens can help pay for lawyers for the children.
Integration Plan: Finding the right case would be key to starting this program. We can start with a child who is being tried as an adult and try and get their sentence lowered. Hopefully this is achieved, thus showing others our help can benefit them.
Elements of Project:
1. It'll ensure that children aren't viewed as more than what they are, children.
2. To hopefully prevent violence that can be done to these children being that they are weaker than their adult counterparts.
3. To provide children with a second chance, as they are not fully developed mentally, emotionally nor physically and having those changes occur in such an environment can be detrimental to their entire life.

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Alisha Joseph

According to unicef.org., “Eight countries in Latin America and the Caribbean allow adolescents under 18 to be tried as adults in court.” It is important to note that conflict with the law applies to someone under the age of 18 who has come into contact with the justice system as a result of being suspected or convicted of committing an offence. (May 2006)

The purpose of my program would be to educate and highlight the effectiveness of conflict with the law and to provide professional help guidance services for juvenile justice, and to help reduce problems within communities/ the population with children and adolescents as well as adults.

Key Stakeholders:

-       Government (its agencies)

-       Parents

-       Adolescents

-       Children

-       Families

-       Communities

-       School groups

-       Commission

Source of funding:

-       Private sectors funding

-       Public Donations

-       Grants

-       Financial supports from banks

-       Government

-       Fundraising events and webpages

Elements of project:

-       Debates

-       NON-appealable

-       Rules and Regulations

-       Law elements

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Cambridge dictionary defines  adolescent as an individual between the ages of a child and an adult. the global pregnancy rate is at an estimate of 46 births per 1000 girls while Latin America and the Caribbean are ranked the second highest in adolescent pregnancies in the world, 38% of women fall pregnant before reaching 20. Adolescent fertility rates remain high in our region, and Teen pregnancy can have a profound effect on girls’ health over their life course as well as thier Child`s, If a mother is under 18, her baby’s chances of dying during the first year of life are 60 per cent higher than those of a baby born to a mother older than 19. The lack of information and restricted access to comprehensive sex education and adequate sexual and reproductive health services are directly related to these adolescent pregnancies. My program seeks to help these mothers and fathers, after all most of these pregnancies are not as a results of deliberate choices but rather as a result of aforementioned reasons thus adolescent parents should not be shunned away and left to fend on their own.  here at (AFP) adolescent family planning, our goal is to reduce the rate of adolescent births, improve parent and child health, and create a support system for adolescent parents.

key stakeholders:
community members,
youth program directors,
private doctors and nurses,
Ministery of health Grenada,

Sources of funding:
Government assistance
As much as we would like to be a non profit, self sustaining program, we will require the assistance of the government bodies to push our outreach.
community assistance:
a community that builds together, stays strong together. a bit cliche but as a community outreach we as the assistance of community members in whatever way they can. individuals from other communities may also contribute.
Local businesses:
(CPA) child Protection Authority
Gittens pharmacy

sustainability:
our sustainability depends on the
* communities devotion to solving our target issue.
* teenagers/adolescents openness to learning and seeking assistance from our program.

*Though our goal is to reduce the rate of adolescent pregnancies, we plan to stick around even after that number is reduced.
*our target population may be parents up to the age of 20 however our services are open to anyone who needs it.

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World health Organization defined the word “adolescents” as those between the ages 10 and 19 years old. At age 12, what does anyone know about to become a parent? They are still considered kids at that age. This is considered a major problem because childbirth between the ages of 15-19 are leading causes of death for young girls globally. This is a huge contributor to maternal and child mortality, also, it means they face other health risks and complications due to their immature bodies undergoing such a life changing process. With that being said, my program intends to inform these young people on the ricks and possible fatalities that occur when practicing unprotected sex and getting pregnant. I hope for the number of adolescent pregnancies to decrease tremendously in my community and hopefully my country. These children are our future, its time we save theirs.

Key stakeholders:
School programs - implemented to educate the students on all things leading to and involving adolescent pregnancy

Parents – pay close attention to the kids, some young adults turn to intercourse due to being stressed at home or at school

Source of funding:
The government – to donate protection (condoms) so that they can be offered at high schools for those that are practicing sexual intercourse. Or any additional funding.

Monitor and evaluation:
Regular visits to the local free clinic for checkups and allow freedom of choice for abortions to those who think it is what is best for them.

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Adolescent pregnancy is generally not the result of a deliberate choice.Adolescent pregnancies are a global problem occurring in high-, middle-, and low-income countries. Around the world, however, adolescent pregnancies are more likely to occur in marginalized communities, commonly driven by poverty and lack of education and employment opportunities.  I have decided to launch the H.P.A.P ( Help prevent adolescent program) that consists of lots of different programs targeting both adolescent females and males. Through this initiative, H.P.A.P would be investing in program models that we believe would be beneficial to our target group. The main focus would be teen pregnancies/birth, sexually transmitted disease, contraceptive use etc.

Key stakeholders:

Parents/Guardians

Teachers

Schools

Hospitals/health clinics

Government

Public health

Elements of the project:

Reduce the rates of pregnancies and births to youth in the target areas.

Increase youth access to evidence-based and evidence-informed programs to prevent teen pregnancy.

Increase linkages between teen pregnancy prevention programs and community-based clinical services.

Educate stakeholders about relevant evidence-based and evidence-informed strategies to reduce teen pregnancy and data on needs and resources in target communities.

Reduce sexual activity amongst adolescents

Reduce incidents of STIs

Source of funding

Government/ ministry of health

Charity events

Donations

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As mentioned by UNICEF, Latin America is one the most violent regions of the world. It is further noted that the Caribbean and Latin America carries the highest rates of armed violence, with 42% of global homicides happening there.  This is indeed a major concern for all involved. Of course, there are a list of factor that can contribute to this rise in violence, including poor socialization.

It will very difficult combating this issue. I would start by dealing with the issue of socialization. The family is the first agent of socialization. If the family fails at teaching the children moral and values, then they  would be at risk of becoming lawless. I would then organize school and street campaigns, along with family counseling sessions, in an effort to educate the youth, and their family, on the danger  and consequences of crime. This would be my starting point.

Source of funding

> Government funding

>Donation from public

>Organizing other private sponsors

Key Stakeholders

> Local Governments

> Volunteers from other fields eg counselors and social workers.

Sustainability

This should be an ongoing program. The issue of youth violence is an ever present issue. To ensure that it keep going, I would encourage the media to provide daily reminders of the program at hand. People can seek weekly counseling sessions; whether it’s family or individual counseling sessions.

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Adolescent pregnancy is generally not the result of a deliberate choice.Adolescent pregnancies are a global problem occurring in high-, middle-, and low-income countries. Around the world, however, adolescent pregnancies are more likely to occur in marginalized communities, commonly driven by poverty and lack of education and employment opportunities.  I have decided to launch the H.P.A.P ( Help prevent adolescent program) that consists of lots of different programs targeting both adolescent females and males. Through this initiative, H.P.A.P would be investing in program models that we believe would be beneficial to our target group. The main focus would be teen pregnancies/birth, sexually transmitted disease, contraceptive use etc.

Key stakeholders:

Parents/Guardians

Teachers

Schools

Hospitals/health clinics

Government

Public health

Elements of the project:

Reduce the rates of pregnancies and births to youth in the target areas.

Increase youth access to evidence-based and evidence-informed programs to prevent teen pregnancy.

Increase linkages between teen pregnancy prevention programs and community-based clinical services.

Educate stakeholders about relevant evidence-based and evidence-informed strategies to reduce teen pregnancy and data on needs and resources in target communities.

Reduce sexual activity amongst adolescents

Reduce incidents of STIs

Source of funding

Government/ ministry of health

Charity events

Donations

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Youth Empowerment - Adolescent Pregnancy

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Youth Empowerment - Adolescent Pregnancy

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During the 21st century, many young adolescents have experience some sexual experience at a tender age. In fact, Latin America and the Caribbean are regions where most adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18 have experienced sexual activity or have been sexually active. Moreover, many of those adolescents become parents as a result of being involved in sexual activity at such a young age.

As a young adult of the 21st Century, this statistic worries me; it makes me highly uncomfortable, especially because of the fact that I have siblings within the ages of 10 and 18.

Therefore, I have decided to develop a youth program that will educate on, innovate on, and activate youth empowerment, as well as promote a reduction of adolescent pregnancy in the Caribbean.

The elements of this project include:

educate individuals about sexual intercourse, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and many more social topics.

focuses on reducing underaged sexual activity, teenage pregnancy,  unprotected sex, sexual assault, and sexual sanity.

educate individuals on self care, infant care, family planning, etc.

provide opportunities for adolescent parents to obtain educational certificates, diplomas and degrees. Source of funding.

Source of funding include:

all funding for this will come from a series of fund raiser events.

donations from social organizations.

personal investments.

sponsors and shareholders

Key Stakeholders include:

Bishops and Pastors of local religious institutions.

Parliamentary representatives.

Parents and guardians.

Honorable members in society and neighboring community.

With all these components in place at the right time, this project will, for sure, be a success. So, what are you waiting on? Hop in, join the team!

Kasey A. Baptiste