A call for action re youth unemployment and opportunities

THE EDITOR, MADAM:

I WRITE to you today as a concerned citizen, deeply troubled by the persistent issue of youth unemployment in our beloved country. The challenges faced by our young people in accessing employment opportunities, education, and skills development are not just statistics; they are real stories of dreams deferred and potential unfulfilled.

Why must our youth, brimming with ambition and talent, be forced to confront such formidable barriers to their success? The youth unemployment rate in Jamaica decreased to 12.6 per cent in 2023, yet this figure still represents a multitude of young lives caught in the crosshairs of economic stagnation and limited prospects. How can we, as a nation, stand by while the next generation struggles to find their footing?

The Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC) has offered insights into the challenges and opportunities within our education system. But are these insights being translated into actionable strategies that will pave the way for our youth to maximise their unique talents and abilities?

We have witnessed a troubling trend of our skilled and educated young professionals immigrating in search of better opportunities. Doctors, nurses, teachers – pillars of our community – are leaving in droves. What does this say about the state of our nation when the very individuals we invest in to secure our future are seeking greener pastures elsewhere?

Is it not a stark reflection of the inadequacies in our system that our youth feel compelled to leave their homeland to achieve what they believe is unattainable here? And what of the impact on our economy and the social fabric of our society when such a significant portion of our population feels they have no choice but to leave?

REAL-LIFE SCENARIOS

Real-life scenarios paint a grim picture: A young graduate with a degree in hand, yet unable to secure employment in her field, resorts to informal jobs that barely tap into her skills and qualifications. A talented young entrepreneur, stifled by bureaucratic red tape and lack of access to capital, watches his business dreams dissolve. These are not isolated cases; they are indicative of a systemic issue that requires urgent attention.

The National Skills Strategy aims to strengthen links between employers, education, and training providers. But how long before this strategy yields tangible results for our youth? How many more young Jamaicans must we lose to migration before we recognise the urgency of the situation?

We must foster a culture of collaboration and partnership, pooling our expertise, resources, and ideas to create a cohesive and seamless education system that supports every child’s growth and development. We must invest in cutting-edge technology, embrace innovative teaching methodologies, and foster inclusivity and diversity within our classrooms.

It is time for us to act decisively. We must create an environment where our youth can thrive, not just survive. We must provide them with the opportunities to harness their potential right here, on the soil that nurtured them. We must give them reasons to stay, to build, and to contribute to the Jamaica we all envision.

Let us not wait for another report or another study. The time for action is now. Our youth cannot wait, and neither can Jamaica.

MARSHANÍQUE FULLER