Six Jamaican students and mentor left the island on Wednesday to participate in the 2023 United States Government’s Youth Ambassadors (YA) Programme slated for August 16-30.

The Jamaicans have joined a contingent of more than 60 Caribbean youth in the rich multi-cultural exchange. Ranging in ages 15 to 18, the young Jamaicans have demonstrated the tenacity and commitment to lead positive change in the lives of other youth within their schools and communities.

The US Government’s YA Programme aims to develop a cadre of young adults from countries throughout the Western Hemisphere who possess a strong sense of civic responsibility, a commitment to their communities, and strong interpersonal leadership skills.

Through this programme participants will be immersed in activities surrounding leadership and community service through youth transformation.

These programmes are scheduled to take place in Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, DC.

At a predeparture orientation session held at the Courtyard Marriott on Tuesday, the participants were briefed by members of the US Embassy’s public affairs team on what to expect during the exchange. They were also supported with helpful information on how to make the most of the opportunity.

As part of the predeparture session, the students, accompanied by their parents, shared details of their expectations of this programme. They also went on to share their dreams to see educational, economic, and social progress for Jamaica’s youth.

In addition, the youngsters spoke powerfully on the positive impact they want to make in their respective communities.

Collectively, they indicated that they believe in the power of strong parental involvement, sports, mentorship, and community service as key factors that contribute to a students’ success.

They all indicated that they look forward to the experience to be gained through this exchange, with hopes that it will build their capacities as leaders.

The US Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer Bobby Adelson believes that this programme will provide unique opportunities to Jamaica’s youth.

He said that the students are “outstanding and each demonstrate a passion and strong commitment to bring about positive change in their communities”.

According to Adelson, the programme highlights the US Government’s ongoing commitment to youth development in Jamaica and throughout the region.

Jamaica’s seven will join youth ambassadors and mentors from Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The YA Programme is one of several US Government educational and cultural exchange programmes administered by the US Embassy in Kingston.