In February 2019, I had the privilege of undertaking my practicum experience at the Manchester Youth Innovation Centre, a hub dedicated to empowering local youth in the parish. During my time there, I facilitated seminars addressing topics such as mental health, substance abuse, leadership, entrepreneurship, teenage pregnancy, crime, and violence. Additionally, I participated in outreach initiatives at children’s homes and engaged in beach cleaning activities, many of which were novel experiences for me. This opportunity served as a catalyst for my previous role as the Public Relations Officer for the Manchester Parish Youth Council (MPYC), which commenced in early 2019. Moreover, my involvement at the Manchester Youth Innovation Centre facilitated valuable connections with leaders from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The workshops provided by the Manchester Youth Innovation Centre enabled me to acquire extensive knowledge in customer service from the Vocational Training Development Institute (VTDI), entrepreneurship from the Young Women and Men of Purpose (YWOP/YMOP), and business acumen from the Jamaica Youth Business Trust (JYBT) Explore Enterprise Business Workshop. The workshops provided by the Manchester Youth Innovation Centre were immensely beneficial, equipping me with essential knowledge in customer service, entrepreneurship, and business acumen. These experiences have been pivotal as I’ve taken on multiple leadership roles in my professional career. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Manchester Youth Innovation Centre for their unwavering dedication to empowering youth and making a positive impact on countless lives, including mine.

I have benefited immensely from the diverse programs offered at the Youth Innovation Center. Participating in the virtual YIC offerings and the Heart Trust customer service program, among others, has been a transformative experience for me as a community youth leader. These sessions have not only broadened my knowledge and skills but have also deeply impacted my personal and professional development. The Youth Innovation Center has provided a supportive and enriching environment where I could learn and grow. The sessions were well-organized and engaging, and the facilitators were knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. Through these programs, I have gained valuable insights into leadership, communication, and community development, which have helped me become a more effective youth leader. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Youth Innovation Center and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their skills and make a positive impact in their community. Thank you to the Youth Innovation Center for empowering me to be a better leader and for the invaluable experiences I have gained through your programs.

I can't express enough gratitude for the transformative experience I've had with the Manchester Youth Innovation Centre. Through their mentorship programs, leadership trainings, outreach initiatives, and empowerment sessions I have grown both personally and professionally and have developed invaluable skills, made lifelong friendships and gained enough confidence to pursue my goals. The Manchester Youth Innovation Centre truly made a difference in my life, empowering me to thrive and make a difference in my community, become a leader and a better version of myself. Their dedication to impact, empower and transform the lives of young people is unmatched.

My journey from uncertainty to purpose was transformed by the Portmore Youth Innovation Centre in 2013. Initially drawn to its safe and welcoming environment, little did I know it would become the catalyst for my personal and professional growth. The vigilant mentorship of individuals like Gihon Mitchell and Mrs. Simone Campbell rescued me from a destructive path, guiding me with unwavering support and invaluable advice. As I continued my journey, meeting mentors like Mr. Pinto, my passion for youth development ignited. Volunteering with various organizations, advocating for climate change, and assuming leadership roles further solidified my commitment to effecting positive change. The empowerment sessions, camaraderie in youth clubs, and continuous support of the YEOs paved the way for my evolution into the man I am today. Thanks to their guidance, I now stand as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and the Youth Innovation Centres. I continue to volunteer at the St. Catherine Youth Innovation Centre, where Gihon Mitchell, Youth Empowerment Officer, continues to be my mentor and Mr. Orlando Pinto continues to provide me added guidance. I presently serve proudly, as the President of the St. Catherine Parish Youth Council.