] On the value of youth groups
THE EDITOR, Sir:
THERE WAS a time when uniformed youth groups such as Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Brigade, Girl Guides and others were active and commonly seen dressed in their uniforms, often participating in some parade. Parents and wellwishers were proud of their children, and those who were not involved wished they were.
This is not very common today as the youth movements have declined considerably over the past few decades. Most of these were church-sponsored activities led by volunteers. These organisations produced persons who were well-rounded and became citizens who were assets to society.
Some of the newer youth groups, such as those sponsored by service clubs, are still active and making their contribution to the positive development of young people, but they sometimes find it difficult to be of their best because of financial constraints.
LITTLE SUPPORT
The major problem is that all of these groups get very little financial support from Government, and accessories such as uniforms, transport and other necessities put a strain on the resources of the parents. Many well-meaning parents have to forgo the opportunity of
‘It was a struggle to find all that was necessary. But it was worth it. It paints quite an interesting picture when one compares the cost of keeping one prisoner in jail to the paltry sum given as stipend to run the youth organisations’ .
getting their children involved because of the cost.
Having been a member of the Scouts and 4-H clubs, I know the value of being involved in those organisations, and even then it was a struggle to find all that was necessary.
But it was worth it. It paints quite an i nteresting picture when one compares the cost of keeping one prisoner in jail to the paltry sum given as stipend to run the youth organisations mentioned above.
Investment and more assistance to youth organisations could be a small step towards putting even a small dent on the surface of the crime problem in the future.
TREVOR SAMUELS tasamuels@cwjamaica.com