Proposal for Academic Programme of Youth Development Work Essay Example

person work necessitates these qualities.

The demographic imperative, represented by the large and fluctuating youth population, necessitates our focus on young people. However, this attention is not always driven by noble intentions and sometimes stems from our own selfish motives. Nevertheless, we still devote our attention to young individuals. Many perceive youth workers as individuals responsible for keeping young people out of trouble, offering them entertainment, and generally preventing them from loitering on the streets. Unfortunately, there is limited understanding and appreciation for the fact that Youth Work constitutes a distinct profession demanding high levels of skill and carrying significant responsibilities and pressures (2001 presentation: Diploma Partners by Helen Jones and Cristal de Saldanha). The debate surrounding youth education has often been dominated by established professionals in the field rather than the new generation of workers who possess the capability to influence future developments.

There is an argument about the best way to equip individuals with skills, understanding, recognition, and position for professional expertise and community involvement. It's important to consider how these individuals can acquire portable skills and knowledge, recognition, and accreditation so they can practice in other regions of the country (Martin Notley for CYO, 1997).

Youth refers to the period characterized by changes in humans' lives as they transition between middle adolescence and early adulthood. This phase includes physical, sexual, and intellectual changes. Managing this stage effectively is crucial as environmental and social influences can impact teenagers' overall development, straining society's economic, social, and emotional well-being. Youth development focuses on fostering personal independence, social independence, self-awareness, sense of purpose, instilling positive qualities required by their society.

According to the 2010 CARICOM Commission on Youth Development (CCYD),

a "young person" is defined as someone who is between childhood and adolescence (14 to 15) and adulthood. It can be challenging to pinpoint the exact transition from adolescence to adulthood, so this term encompasses that stage of life. The definition of a "young person" may differ depending on the subject and context, but for this paper and program, it refers to individuals aged 15-24 as recognized by the United Nations. In the Caribbean region, there is no regional definition for a "young person" due to variations in voting rights, age of majority, and other legal adult milestones among member states.

The lack of a regional definition for young person complicates the organization and integration of regional policies and programmes. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that there are challenges facing individuals transitioning from adolescence to adulthood and that there is a need for a developmental approach to meet the demands of this group in particular.