THE MultiCare Youth Foundation (MYF) is using a train the trainer model to maximise the number of at-risk youth it reaches with the life-changing soft skills curriculum, Passport to Success (PTS). This system is currently being employed as part of the foundation’s YUTE for Tomorrow Project, funded by USAID through FHI360, and uses the International Youth Foundation’s (IYF’s) globally acclaimed PTS programme for its activity-centred, highly participatory approach to engaging vulnerable youngsters.

The MYF is currently intensifying its training of PTS master trainers, master coaches, trainers and coaches. Master trainers are qualified to train trainers and coaches, with the support of master coaches, while trainers teach the PTS life skills to the young people, with the support of the coaches.

Speaking at the June 21 launch of a three-day workshop to train 13 certified PTS trainers and two qualified coaches as PTS master trainers, MYF Executive Director Alicia Glasgow Gentles explained the multiplier effect being pursued.

“If MYF trains four PTS master trainers, for example, and each master trainer goes on to train 25 trainers, we would have 100 trainers in the field, in schools, communities and correctional centres. And if each of these trainers trains 100 young people, which is quite possible, we could end up impacting 10,000 youth in one go. Under this project we are currently targeting vulnerable youth in Whitfield Town and Trench Town in Kingston. However, with this workshop, and the follow-up training of PTS trainers, we will be able to target youth in St James, St Catherine and Clarendon, in addition to Kingston. So this adds to the sustainability of the programme.”

The training of PTS master trainers and master coaches was carried out by two trainers from the IYF headquarters in Baltimore, United States. They are Lynda Aaron, technical advisor, curriculum & content, and Katie Raymond, director of life skills programs. Topics included community building, working with adult learners, an overview of the training of trainers training manual, and workshop materials.

To successfully complete this training, the prospective PTS master trainers will need to carry out four full days of training trainers before being fully qualified. The YUTE for Tomorrow project began in September 2019 and is scheduled to be completed later this year.