The Editor, Sir:

I write in response to a letter titled 'Street boys still at windshields' published in The Sunday Gleaner of April 20. I must commend the tone of the letter. The writer was upset (with the situation) but optimistic enough to encourage change. That is now happening with the launch of the 'Stop Light Bright' programme, held at the Kingston Youth Information Centre at the offices of the National Centre for Youth Development, 16A Half-Way Tree Road. They were well-mannered and spent an entire day participating in empowerment sessions.

Literacy training

Aware of these youths at the Tinson Pen and Hunts Bay intersections, the Kingston & St Andrew Youth Empowerment Officers are engaging them youth through different initiatives. About 15 of them are to begin basic introduction to computers, as well as engage in literacy training via a partnership with Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning.

The African proverb, 'It takes a village to raise a child', is totally necessary as we encourage unconventional entities to support youth development. My apologies for the inappropriate behaviours exhibited by these youths. To all Jamaica, feel free to be a part of the village.

I am, etc.,

MIGUELl 'STEPPA' WILLIAMS

mwilliams@micys.gov.jm

16A Half-Way Tree Road

Kingston 5

Via Go-Jamaica