USAID and EDC Launch Youth Empower Activity to Transform Lives and Communities in Jamaica

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced at an event this month the launch of the $3 million USAID Youth Empower Activity (EMPOWER), an initiative designed to foster sustainable development and positive growth for Jamaica’s most at-risk youth. The five-year program, implemented by EDC, addresses critical barriers faced by youth in underserved communities, including limited access to education, training, and employment.

At the EMPOWER event, the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour and Social Security, welcomed the launch of the initiative, noting, “While Jamaica faces high levels of crime and violence that significantly affect its youth through injury, death, and incarceration, this is not the complete picture. Jamaican youth have achieved remarkable success globally across various fields, despite these challenges. The USAID Youth Empower initiative acknowledges this potential and aims to unlock it by investing in education, skills training, and economic opportunities. The U.S. remains committed to partnering with Jamaica to achieve its development goals, including youth development and improving citizen security. This launch today further reaffirms our commitment to be creative and innovative while collaborating with Jamaican institutions.”

EMPOWER, which aims to transform the lives of 5,000 young Jamaicans, represents a significant step in USAID’s commitment to youth development in Jamaica, aligns with its broader goals of promoting sustainable and inclusive development, and signifies EDC’s return to Jamaica.

The project will focus on several key areas to support and uplift young people:

• Build youth-friendly systems that enhance resilience and access to livelihood opportunities while encouraging greater involvement in civic activities and leadership roles
• Strengthen peer support networks to boost community engagement and improve job prospects through targeted skills training and work experience
• Coordinate with existing support services to enhance overall youth well-being and foster a strong connection to Jamaican culture and history through various activities

“It is exciting to once again be given the opportunity to contribute to Jamaica’s development journey through the USAID Youth Empower Activity,” said Siobhan Murphy, chief operating officer and interim CEO at EDC. “We value our contributions to social and economic development, especially youth-centered development, and to strengthen locally led initiatives such as this, to which USAID, like EDC, is deeply committed.”