CHAIRMAN OF the Jamaica/British Youth Exchange Programme, based in St. Thomas, Hopeton Henry, said the programme should be fully developed within the next five years, to the extent that it will be able to develop tourism in St. Thomas.
Mr. Henry is also looking for a new trust under the programme, such that it will foster a closer link with British nationals, encourage more visitors to the island, while developing a trade base for agricultural and craft products.
During the month of June, the youth exchange programme honoured 600 fathers and 600 mothers for their role in ensuring stable families. The programme's chairman said that the community trust emphasises the importance of stability in the family.
"The history of this organisation aims at bridging the cultural gap between Jamaica and England, particularly among young people. It is where young people relate through the Internet and other forms of communication which is another educational avenue," Mr. Henry said.
With a small group, Mr. Henry said, there are plans for expansion, and persons within all strata of the society need to get involved as the aims and objectives of the programme have to be expanded beyond St. Thomas.
Co-ordinator of the programme, Marcia Christian, told The Gleaner that the idea of a youth exchange programme with England developed through the White Horses, Dynamic Cultural Youth Group and a tribe called Foluke in Birmingham. According to her, in 1994 two group leaders from both countries organised the programme, following letters and telephone contacts.
Originally, the programme targeted youngsters between the ages 11 and 16, as they were seen as the most vulnerable in the society as it relates to crime and violence, Miss Christian said. In 1995, the idea behind the programme became a reality when the first batch of five club members from the White Horses, Dynamic Youth Club went to England, with sponsorship from MP for West St. Thomas, Anthony Hylton. The success of that initial trip prompted seven British nationals to visit St. Thomas on the return leg.
The aims of the programme include development of youngsters socially, morally, emotionally, intellectually and mentally; to use media opportunities in England to dispel myths about Jamaica and its people; to share values and culture that link the life of especially black teenagers; to compare and contrast youth activities in Jamaica and the UK; to develop the programme from a parish level to a national level, and to develop an export/import marketing initiative to fund the project in the future.
