Thirty young women celebrated their graduation from The MultiCare Youth Foundation’s (MYF’s) YUTE Teach Project, which equipped them with essential skills in Early Childhood Development amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing numerous hurdles, the graduates received high praise for their determination and resilience.
Launched in October 2019, YUTE Teach aimed to empower at-risk youth aged 18 to 29 in Kingston’s vulnerable communities while addressing the shortage of early childhood professionals. Thanks to generous sponsors, participants received full scholarships covering vocational training, life skills education, mentorship, and internships.
The pandemic forced the program to adapt rapidly to virtual learning, exacerbating device and internet access issues, family crises, and dropout rates. Nevertheless, the MYF provided support, including lunch packages and data allowances, while teachers and mentors offered unwavering assistance.
Despite these obstacles, most students persevered, exemplifying resilience and dedication. Some even faced extraordinary circumstances, like completing exams shortly after giving birth. By December 2021, nine graduates secured employment, with six offered full-time positions at their internship sites.
In a joint valedictory address, top performers Tracy-Ann Campbell and Shanice Reid expressed gratitude for the opportunity. They reflected on their journey, marked by camaraderie, hard work, and adaptability. Despite the pandemic’s disruptions, all 30 remaining participants completed their qualifications and internships, embodying the program’s spirit of perseverance and achievement.
