Nadisha Hunter, Gleaner Writer

Pastor David Henry (left), mission director at Swallowfield Chapel in St Andrew, exchanges documents with Gerard Johnson, representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), shortly after they signed an agreement for a grant of US$6,500 to be used for the church's outreach programme, Youth Reaching Youth. Looking on are Dorothea Less (second left), records assistant, IDB, and Angela Pryce-Plunkett, programme director, Youth Reaching Youth. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Several Corporate Area youths will be afforded a second chance to realise their full potential through contribution of US$6,500 by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to the Youth Reaching Youth outreach programme.

The annual camp will be held in Manchester from August 13-16 under the theme 'Giving Kids What They Need to Succeed'. Gerard Johnson, representative of the IDB, signed the agreement at the Youth Reaching Youth office in Swallowfield, St Andrew, on Friday.

"It's a very well-put together project, using the arts and Jamaica's rich culture to help children to improve their self-confidence," he said. "We wish we had more to give, but when a door is opened, we would be quick to assist again."

multi-arts programme

Giving Kids What They Need to Succeed is a two-week multi-arts integrated summer programme for children aged seven to 14 years, representing the Corporate Area communities of Nannyville, Swallowfield, Mountain View and Stadium Gardens. The programme seeks to utilise various aspects of the creative arts to address some of the issues that children are struggling with, such as sexuality, drug use and abuse, low self-esteem, suicide issues, violent behaviours and other unhealthy lifestyles that are causing them to lead self-destructive lives.

According to Angela Pryce-Plunkett, programme director at Youth Reaching Youth, many of the children have limited or no regard for national and personal pride and are ignorant to social values, norms and virtues.

"These ills will seek to only impoverish the rich, loving, respectful and talented Jamaican cultural heritage that we have always enjoyed. The creative arts, which include music, dance poetry, visual arts and drama, will be utilised to reinforce the ideal of achieving one's maximum potential," she disclosed.

Youth Reaching Youth is a non-governmental organisation that provides programmes that utilise a peer leadership and mentorship approach through the use of the creative arts in impacting youths nationally and regionally.

Focus of camp

To build the creative arts as a means of building the self-esteem and self-concept of children in attendance.

To engage the talented and creative minds of children in demonstrating positive responses to some of life's challenges.

To create a sense of bonding and bridge building with the communities that continue to be warring factions for generations, with a view to reuniting and building kindred spirits.