The USAID-funded Local Partner Development (LPD) Activity, implemented by FHI360, gathered with close to 140 stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector, at its close-out event for the six-year project yesterday (March 29), at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in Kingston. It was a celebration of success, with more than 650 youth impacted and approximately 35 local organisations committing to sustain the best practises that LPD imparted to aid youth crime prevention in Jamaica. Beneficiaries lauded the programme for transforming their lives and personal growth, based on the handholding support offered through the project.
“Before the programme, I wouldn’t have dealt with things in a calm manner, nor would I tolerate being spoken to in harsh tones. However, since being engaged in the Transforming Our Perspective” Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TOP-CBT) Model, I’ve seen major changes in the way I communicate with others and have seen how much better I am at avoiding conflict,” said Jessica Morgan, an LPD youth beneficiary.
The LPD activity focused on training and developing partners to improve the effectiveness of their youth crime and violence prevention programmes. One important part of this was working with partners to create and spread the Case Management Methodology, which is a complete way to evaluate and coordinate services for youth who are at risk.The introduction of the “Transforming Our Perspective” Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TOP-CBT) Model was also beneficial in reducing self- destructive behaviours among participants by teaching them to evaluate and modify their decision-making processes. This was Jamaica’s first exposure to the CBT approach for youth crime and violence prevention.
LPD and collaborators implemented evidence-based approaches to prevent youth crime and violence in Jamaica. This included vocational training, psychosocial support, and livelihood opportunities for at-risk youth, resulting in positive outcomes such as reduced antisocial tendencies, improved emotional control, and better livelihood prospects. Approximately 654 youth were mentored in life skills, 346 received psychological therapy, 289 were trained in vocational skills, 140 received business development training and grants, and 109 were employed.
“The Local Partner Development activity has made great progress in evidence-based youth crime and violence prevention, with impressive multi-sector coordination and stakeholder input. Local partnerships are essential for improved citizen security, the Country Representative to Jamaica (Acting) USAID, Alex Gainer, commented.
Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams, emphasised the need for community support when implementing crime prevention strategies.
“Community support is key to preventing youth crime, and community-based approaches like mentoring programmes and job training offer opportunities for positive engagement with caring adults. These approaches can reduce crime and promote positive youth development, academic achievement, and mental health. Early intervention programmes for at-risk youth are also important in preventing criminal activities,” Williams shared.
In addition to the Ministry of Education, the LPD leaves behind a group of trained partners who are equipped to continue the legacy of Youth Crime and Prevention Methodologies in Jamaica, and partners have been given full access to the manual that was presented at the event as part of the sustainability plans to continue the work in communities. The Ministry of National Security has also been integral to the programme.
National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang commended the LPD for its remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in Jamaica and look forward to continuing its partnership with the LPD to build a safer and more prosperous nation.
“LPD will facilitate a learning exchange event on April 13, 2023, to share knowledge about the Jamaica Risk Assessment Tool for Youth Crime and Violence Prevention. Key GoJ entities, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, and the Heart NSTA Trust, have been invited to participate,” he notes.
The Local Partner Development activity is funded by the United States Agency for International Development and implemented by FHI 360. LPD collaborates with key actors from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to effectively advance youth crime and violence prevention in Jamaica.