BOYS' TOWN TRENCH TOWN JAMAICA - ABOUT US
History
The Government of Jamaica, in partnership with the Kingston YMCA and the Jamaica Methodist Church, established Boys’ Town in 1940. Boys’ Town has served over the years as a good example of partnership between government and civil society in promoting social development, particularly of youth; as well as promoting good governance at the community, local and national levels in Trench Town Kingston Jamaica.
Issues and Challenges
Poverty and exclusion among inner-city youth are widespread and increasing in the area served by Boys’ Town and in Jamaica. Inadequate, insufficient and/or inappropriate socialization, education, training and employment, lack of assets, property rights and access to credit and lack of decision-making opportunities exacerbate the social and economic vulnerability of youth, generally. Investing in youth is an urgent matter to stop and eventually reverse the rapid deterioration taking place in these communities. Appropriate policies and programmes must be established and adequate resources allocated in order to address this issue.
Boys' Town Vision and Goals
Boys' Town boasts a Community Youth Development Model with a Vision statement that is geared
“to empower people and communities and contribute to nation-building through development of human potential and training in responsible citizenship”
Boys’ Town key development goals, as set out in its Development Plan are to:
1) Increase capabilities of youth through education, training and social networks;
2) Improve quality of community life through access to services in an integrated community space;
3) Promote community development through capacity-building;
4) Promote social cohesion and reduce risk of violence through improved social interaction; and
5) Promote social responsibility by inclusion and participation in a successful community institution