Barbados

The programs in Barbados that focus on youth unemployment and training are the Youth Development program, the Barbados Youth Service and the Youth Entrepreneurs Scheme.

The Barbados Youth Service program has been designed to meet the varying needs of young people. Its specific objectives seek to: I) mobilize the skills and energies of youth in the interest of national development ii) create acceptable role models for other young people iii) improve the caliber of the young work force through the development of an awareness of its potential and iv) foster in young people a commitment to be of service to one's fellowman and to one's country. This program provides a one-year structured program which exposes trainees to personal development skills. It provides opportunity for addressing negative attitudes and for instilling a greater sense of responsibility in young people.

Students also participate in projects and programs which build concentration and self-confidence, raise morale and give insights into areas with career possibilities or offer opportunities for leisure time activities. 80% of the graduates of the Youth service are placed in gainful employment; however, there has been a lack of resources to evaluate accurately the degree of success of the program. The Government has proposed to expand the program both quantitatively and qualitatively as it has only been able to service a small proportion of the persons who really need it.

The Youth Development Program is aimed at addressing the concerns, issues, aspirations and prospects of youth. This program will employ professional Youth Workers who will coordinate, motivate and facilitate youth development. The methods employed to accomplish the objective of this program are working with service organizations and community groups, motivating and mobilizing unattached youth to become active participants in the various social, cultural and productive projects and programs in the community and referring youths to relevant agencies with the social services. The youth worker will function in a multi-faceted capacity and the program overall will foster a collaborative working relationship with other agencies so as to derive maximum benefit from the activities.

The Youth Enterprise Scheme will have as it's objective to become the government agency on youth entrepreneurship, dealing with issues and needs affecting young people in business, including those in existing programs in the private sector. It will provide them with career information, literature and support services on entrepreneurship as a career option. Some of the support services to be offered include: seminars and training, business counseling, computer services, trade fairs and exhibitions. YES will provide the opportunity for young people to have easy access to funds earmarked for test marketing, start-up capital and expansion loans.

In December 1993, a Barbados Youth Business Trust was launched to facilitate financing. The trust has attracted financing from external and local sources and it is anticipated that it will have access to additional funds from other donor agencies. The government has proposed working closely with the Trust, with a view to ensuring the necessary financing for business ventures by young people.