If you judge the situation solely by the numbers, the situation for youth in Jamaica is bleak. Unemployment for those aged 25-34 is 16.2 per cent and for those aged 20-24, almost one in three youths (31.2 per cent) are not working. However, an event last week provided a reason to believe that better is coming if one judges by levels of innovation and entrepreneurship and enthusiasm amongst youth.

These positive attitudes were on display on Friday, March, 15, when more than 100 youth from Kingston’s inner-city communities gathered at the University of West Indies for the Diaspora Youth Connect Youth Summit 2013. The inaugural event was a chance for youth to share their ideas, connect with business and academic leaders and meet peers from other communities. Participants came from areas like August Town, Flankers in Montego Bay, Trench Town, Mountain View, Majesty Gardens, Tower Hill and Tivoli Gardens. The day’s proceedings were also not confined to Jamaica; they were broadcast live on the Internet and participants from the U.K. flew in to take part.

Judging by the participation and the wealth of ideas shared, it was a great success. Youth participated in discussion groups and heard a lecture from fellow Cuso volunteer Dr. Erin MacLeod, who gave a presentation on youth entrepreneurship. According to Erin’s research, youth feel there are obstacles to achieving a successful level of entrepreneurship, and these include a lack of financing, location, lack of motivation and education and a lack of knowledge about how to begin and operate a business. Erin’s research also showed that areas of potential, where youth may find employment and opportunity, include agriculture, information technology and creative industries.

After this informative session, the youth participated in break-out discussion groups, where their feedback reflected Erin’s research. I facilitated one of the groups, and the youth had no shortage of ideas, but they indicated a substantial number of barriers to success. Most importantly, they feel that the private sector is reluctant to give them a chance by providing financing. In addition, there is little in the way of follow-up support, they indicated. In my group, several of the youths were running their own enterprises, including one who has a bee-keeping operation and others who are in the music industry.

The Diaspora Youth Connect project is run by the Jamaica Diaspora Institute in partnership with Cuso and the Mona Social Services, UWI Township project. Fellow volunteers Doudou and Rhonda are placed with this project, where Rhonda is a communications advisor and Doudou is engaged in a community mapping project, which is aimed at assessing the community’s strengths and weaknesses. The JDI’s mandate includes tapping into the wealth (financial, logistical and knowledge) of the vast amount of Jamaicans who live abroad with the goal of supporting infrastructure back home. Some quick research reveals that roughly 1.3 million Jamaicans live in the U.S., U.K. and Canada.

According to opening remarks from officials, the summit was intended to tap into the energy and potential of Jamaica’s youth, specifically those who are not raised with privilege and access to resources. “We want to look at what you have and to help you to develop to become a better person,” JDI’s Professor Neville Ying told the crowd. Cuso’s regional director Tarik Perkins reiterated this statement by saying “We are working with you to show you your strengths and your assets.” UWI’s Dr. Olivene Burke added that the summit was meant to “leverage the social and intellectual capacity,” as well as to develop the potential in surrounding communities. A comment from the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s Charmaine Brimms added that the summit was “a major step to achieving one of the main goals of the Vision 2030 plan, which is achieving secure communities.” After these comments, youth were treated to a meditative dub poetry performance from Steppa, a young representative from the Ministry of Youth and Culture.

Later in the day, youth received a presentation from Mickel Jackson of the Council of Voluntary Social Services on volunteerism and entrepreneurship, then a webinar from Miss Krizia of Toronto on young entrepreneurship and social media. They also heard remarks from Miss Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, Minster of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

Overall, the day was a success if one were to measure the amount of energy and commitment the youth displayed. One can also say that Jamaica’s future is in good hands if these youth are given the right help and resources.