FORMER wards of the State Shameka Campbell and Barrington Munroe have similar tales of successes and disappointments which have helped them to become stronger individuals, determined to realise their dreams and aspirations.

Both are now proud business owners, having benefited under the ‘Pitch It! Learning and Investing in Your Future’ initiative, which is part of the Organization of American States’ (OAS) ‘A New Path’ project.

A New Path targets young people drawn from juvenile remand centres, State care facilities and the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP). It aims to provide hope to marginalised young people who have come into conflict with the law by providing them with the requisite skills for reintegration into the society.

Collectively, Shameka and Barrington have received $550,000 to fund their businesses, which are now registered with the Companies Office of Jamaica.

Speaking at the recent closing ceremony for the first OAS Pitch It! Learning and investing in Your Future Initiative, Shameka explained that she decided to open a retail store in Geneva, Westmoreland, that specialises in the selling of different meats and grocery items, as individuals had to travel to the next town for that purpose.

“I immediately capitalised on that market, and with all the support given throughout the programme, I am happy to say that I am an entrepreneur,” said Shameka, who was housed at the Granville Child Care Facility in Trelawny for three months.

The proud owner of Shameka’s Meats and Grocery noted that even though she had no prior business knowledge, the assistance she received through the programme, inclusive of a $250,000 monetary grant, was fundamental and assisted her in her venture.

“The process involved several workshops, which concentrated on building my knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship. I first had to brainstorm different business ideas that would be successful in my community, and then I went into more intense sessions of formulating a business plan,” she said, adding that the plan had to be presented to several panellists.

The mother of two said that the initiative allows young people to have a more stable and independent way of making a living and changing their lives.

“I will continue to learn and improve my entrepreneurial skills and knowledge to ensure that I make the best decision for my business,” she said.

For his part, Barrington used the $300,000 received from the initiative to start an agriculture business — Farm Away Jamaica.

Barrington, who was a resident at the Manning Child Care Facility, Southfield, St Elizabeth, explained that his fascination with agriculture started from an early age, noting that many young people often shy away from the profession.

“I was introduced to farming by my father, where I saw him do small farming to make a living. At high school, I learnt agriculture at a higher level, where I was assigned to construct a backyard garden. In this project, I got a 95.5 average, so I have decided to start a small business myself to earn an income,” he said.

He informed that he has received guidance from the Jamaica Agricultural Society to assist in his undertaking, adding that they have helped him in many ways.

“My farming includes the rearing of chicken and planting crops such as tomatoes and peppers. To date, I have completed three cycles of chicken rearing, and I am making arrangements to extend one of the sections. So far, it has been a wonderful experience,” he said.

Barrington noted that the monetary assistance has allowed him to put measures in place to do agriculture on a larger and more independent scale.

“This competition has made a massive impact on my life, and for that I am thankful,” he said.

The 19-year-olds, who were introduced to the initiative through the Child Development Agency, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the various organisations and individuals that have been integral in the programme — the OAS, Trust for the Americas, Junior Achievement Jamaica, and United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

President of Junior Achievement Jamaica Alphie Mullings-Aiken indicated that 111 young people were engaged in a two-day training exercise, after which 51 were assessed during a week-long residential programme at the University of the West Indies. Additionally, she said they benefited from the Junior Achievement Company of Entrepreneurs training.

“Each of the 51 attendees pitched their (business) proposal to a panel of judges. As the dust settled, 21 were awarded — through the generous support of the United States Agency for International Development, Organization of American States, the Trust for the Americas and Jamaica Money Market Brokers —with an opportunity to start their own business,” she said.

Mullings-Aiken further informed that the other 30 participants received three-month work internships with local companies, adding that many are still employed.

She said while the initiative focused solely on those in State-care facilities and remand centres, the project aims to empower youth to own their personal economic success.

For his part, state minister in the Ministry of National Security Senator Pearnel Charles Jr hailed the A New Path initiative as a movement that not only transforms the lives of beneficiaries, but also guides them along a course of economic independence.

Senator Charles urged the participants to be agents of change in their communities and not to be daunted by naysayers, while encouraging each youngster to “challenge yourself to always be better for yourself, your communities, for Jamaica and the world”.

He lauded the sponsors, adding that the ministry will continue to provide the requisite support to transform the lives of the participants.

In her remarks, OAS Country Representative for Jamaica Jeanelle van GlaanenWeygel urged the participants to use their experiences to inspire others.

The young people, were awarded start-up grants to begin their business ventures.

Those established included engagements in photography, food and beverage and clothing retail, electrical and computer repairs, tailoring, poultry farming and entertainment.

A New Path was implemented by the OAS and Trust for the Americas, with financial support from USAID. The project, which began in January 2015, was scheduled to end in January 2017, but has been extended until September 2019.

The programme offers and facilitates weekly counselling, the implementation of educational and vocational training, conflict-resolution programmes, as well as opportunities for apprenticeship and internship. It works on key areas that can enable the successful economic and social integration of youth.

It also includes a music programme, in collaboration with the National Youth Orchestra, and a sports aspect facilitated by the Youth Development Network.

— JIS