CARICOM Commission on Youth Development (CCYD)

Submitted by katharina on 28 October 2011 - 11:46am

Underpinning the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development’s (CCYD) approach was the mandate given by the CARICOM Heads of Government in 2006, that the regional integration holds the key to the optimal development of the small developing countries of the Community and the regional citizenry. The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), as a social institution, is heavily dependent on the knowledge, skills, competencies, values and attitudes of young people for successful outcomes. Young people are an under-utilized resource for the development of Caribbean communities.

A situational analysis of the youth in the Caribbean has been carried out, with a view to providing supplementary inputs for a comprehensive situational analysis of Caribbean youth to contribute to the implementation of the CCYD Communication Strategy which will, in turn, engage in capacity building activities for the youth.

Key Information
28 October 2011
Timeframe: 
2009
Case Study
Background: 

The establishment of a CCYD was mandated to undertake an analysis of the challenges and opportunities for youth in the CSME, and to make recommendations to improve their well-being and empowerment. This was deemed necessary in light of rising desires to migrate; growing incidence of HIV & AIDS; increasing rates of attrition in education; growing levels of unemployment, crime and violence; and decreasing recognition of sporting and cultural achievements.

Results Achieved: 

A full scale analysis of the challenges and opportunities for youth in the CSME was done. Recommendations were provided on improving their well being and a proposal was made to empower and ensure greater engagement and fulfilment of youth.

Main Activities: 

The outputs and tools that were developed during the project included:
• Report of the CCYD “Eye on the Future, Investing in Youth now for Tomorrow’s Community”
• Cost and Benefits from Investing in Youth in the CARICOM Member States – a Quantitative Assessment of the Youth Development Strategy
• Declaration of Paramaribo to be signed by the CARICOM Heads of Government
• Hosting of a CARICOM Heads of Government Summit on Youth

Future Replicability
Lessons Learned: 

Strengths
• Youth involvement in the Commission’s work
• Diverse team of Commissioners – balance of youth and adult technocrats promoting youth to adult partnerships
• Committed Secretariat team
• Support from members states in executing research

Weaknesses
• Limited resources to execute research - unable to conduct detailed analysis in key areas e.g. crime

Key to Success for Future Replicability: 

• Availability of resources to complete project activities
• Support from donor partners and other stakeholders
• Commitment of youth, Ministries with responsibility for Youth, NGO and Commissioners currently in process of finalizing the report
• Participation of stakeholders in the consultative process
• Role of Secretariat in coordinating project activities and maintaining communication with stakeholders

Recommended Follow-Up:
The project will be monitored in accordance with the programming policies and procedures outlined in the UNDP User Guide.

Contacts: 

Focal point(s) in lead country/organization
Heather Johnson, CARICOM
hjohnson@caricom.org