“Too often in Jamaica and in many countries around the world, young people have limited opportunities to access job training, networking, mentorship and a safe space to grow, build confidence and prepare for the future. That is why Programme models like The MultiCare Youth Foundation’s (MYF) Youth Upliftment Through Employment or YUTE, are so critical. By offering young people the chance to learn skills, to develop a life plan, to imagine a productive future for themselves, (The MYF) invests in helping communities to prosper and to contribute to a stronger Jamaica.”
So declared Angela Venza, Executive Director of the PriceSmart Foundation at the Close Out Event for the MYF YUTE Project by PriceSmart Foundation, held at the Terra Nova Hotel’s Pavillion in Kingston on Sunday June 1, 2025. The project was implemented with funding from the PriceSmart Foundation and in-kind contributions from the MYF.
Ms. Venza joined MYF Chairman Joseph M. Matalon in congratulating 22 of the 77 successful project participants, who were on hand to receive their certificates at the function. Ms. Venza further stated: “PriceSmart believes that as a company it has a responsibility to also invest in the communities in which it works. And that is why we were so thrilled to be able to support this programme.”
“This journey has taken dedication, patience and persistence,” the PriceSmart Foundation executive told the youngsters, “Completing the Programme is a major achievement. And it’s also a springboard. You are not the same people who started this journey. You now carry with you a set of skills and values that will serve you in whatever path you choose to follow.”
The 18-month MYF YUTE Project by PriceSmart Foundation targeted vulnerable youngsters, ages 15 to 29 years, in communities served by PriceSmart Clubs in Kingston and St. Catherine. They have benefited from a series of layered, pro-social interventions aimed at equipping them with the tools, skills and opportunities to effect real and sustainable changes in their lives and their communities. These include Life Skills, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mentorship, Vocational Training and opportunities for Internship placements. The Mentorship component will continue past the close out date at the end of June 2025.
Expressing appreciation for the tremendous help and support of the PriceSmart Foundation and PriceSmart Clubs in Jamaica, Mr. Matalon said, “Your partnership truly helps to fuel the realisation of our mission of changing lives and creating opportunities for vulnerable children and youth. Thank you to the entire PriceSmart team for welcoming our young participants into your workplaces.”
The MYF Chairman praised the graduates for their resilience, courage and determination, and for embracing the opportunities offered to them. He shared that seeing bright young Jamaicans who had completed one of the MYF’s projects was one of his greatest pleasures, but added that even greater was his delight in encountering past MYF graduates now doing well.
Among these, he noted that David Newland, who was filming Sunday’s ceremony, had graduated from the YUTE Lens Support Programme 10 years ago, was now a valued and experienced multimedia professional, had founded his own design studio, and now serves as a Youth Member of the MYF Board of Directors.
Also making Chairman Matalon happy was news of young Kimberly Clarke, who had not let homelessness deter her from excelling at school, later graduating from the MYF’s inaugural Starbucks YUTE Work Project in 2018, and now operating her own thriving broiler business.
Another graduate the MYF is proud of is Amoi Duffos, who benefitted from the Foundation’s Mentoring Programme designed especially for youngsters ‘ageing out’ of state care. Recently honoured for outstanding services in education, she is now an award-winning teacher in England.
“What these graduates have achieved is entirely possible for each and every one of you,” Mr. Matalon pointed out to his young audience.”
