KINGSTON, Jamaica — Thirty-three young people who took part in a four-week summer employment and training initiative led by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Jamaica have benefited from $5.9 million in scholarships.

The programme, which completed its sixth year, included job placements and training sessions focused on workplace readiness, financial literacy, leadership, entrepreneurship, and sexual and reproductive health.

Participants were placed in internships with organisations including the National Health Fund (NHF), the Southeast Regional Health Authority (SERHA) and Project STAR. AHF Jamaica covered all participant expenses, including stipends and travel allowances.

The initiative was run in partnership with the Institute of Law and Economics (ILE).

In addition to training and internships, AHF Jamaica awarded $2.3 million in scholarships to secondary and tertiary students. Scholarship recipients included students preparing for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam (CAPE) as well as those enrolled in institutions such as the University of the West Indies, the University of Technology and the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

The programme also featured a pitch competition, where participants developed business ideas. Winners received $50,000 in seed funding.

One participant described the experience as “fun, enlightening and enjoyable”, while others noted the value of the life lessons shared during training sessions.

Alexia Lamonth-Edwards, lead coordinator of Girls Act Jamaica, said the initiative focuses on long-term growth.

“This programme is about instilling confidence, building leadership and creating pathways for young people to realise their fullest potential. It empowers them to see themselves not only as future employees, but as innovators, decision-makers and nation-builders,” Lamonth-Edwards said.

Senior Community Outreach and Marketing Officer at AHF, Jerome Edwards added, “What we’ve seen this summer is not just young people gaining work experience, but a generation ready to take ownership of their future. By combining education, entrepreneurship and real workplace exposure, we are creating leaders who will contribute to Jamaica’s growth.”