MONTEGO BAY, St James — A Ganar, the USAID supported programme, aimed at combating youth unemployment had its western Jamaica launch at the Montego Bay Cricket Club last Saturday.

The initiative which is funded by the USAID, NCB Foundation and the Multilateral Investment Fund through the International Development Bank (IDB) was launched in Kingston last July before moving to St Elizabeth and St Mary.

By September, roughly 500 participants are expected to benefit from the project, which aims at teaching Jamaican “at risk” youths the life skills principles which will help them to better integrate into the workforce and make them more employable.

Project co-ordinator/monitor Andre Wilson told the Observer West at Saturday’s launch that some 25 participants from across St James, between the ages 18 and 25, are currently involved in the Montego Bay- leg of the programme.

The A Ganar curriculum mixes field and classroom activities to equip youth with basic reading, writing, math skills, vocational and life skills, self- confidence and practical knowledge.

Football is one of the vehicles being used to implement the programme, and so far, the St James Football Association has fully endorsed the project. The Montego Bay-based Youth Enhancement Service (YES) is also one of the facilitators.

The programme is being implemented in three phases, with the sport component making up the first stage to teach the youngsters the principles of teamwork, communication, discipline, respect, how to focus on results, and continual self-improvement.

Phase two will involve technical and vocational, while phase three will be to identify job placements for the participants.

The programme is expected to last between six to eight months, Wilson told the Observer West.

Bryan Miller, the 2nd vice-president of the St James Football Association noted at Saturday’s launch that the association did not hesitate to “adopt” the programme when it was approached.

“We see this programme as one that leads to self improvement and will make you better so stay focused and grasp whatever you can,” Miller told the participants.

And Seymour Riley, another project coordinator/ monitor at the A Ganar programme urged the participants to “enjoy yourselves while making good use” of the programme.

He also urged the parents to support the participants.

“I am calling on you (parents) to support them. You have the responsibility to learn with your children,” said Riley.

Eric Heavens, who spoke on behalf of the participants, said they were grateful for the opportunity given to them under the initiative.

“We are going to stay focused and we will ensure that we become qualified,” Heaven emphasised.

He also expressed gratitude to sponsors of the programme.