“As the Foundation forges ahead with its vision for a better Jamaica, I encourage you to remain steadfast, ‘In the business of changing lives… Creating opportunities for vulnerable children and youth.’”
In 2020, the MultiCare Youth Foundation received the esteemed Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Excellence, a testament to a decade of outstanding contributions to nation-building. This recognition, bestowed in the category of Youth Development, carried profound significance for our team, especially amidst the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The awards ceremony, held on Sunday, December 13, 2020, was graced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who personally presented the accolades. MYF Executive Director Alicia Glasgow Gentles represented the foundation. Instituted in 1998 by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, these awards aim to honour youth and youth-serving organisations for their exceptional achievements and contributions to national development, providing a platform for showcasing excellence across various domains.
In a special message addressed to the MultiCare Youth Foundation, Prime Minister Holness commended the organisation’s longstanding commitment to community and youth development, tracing its roots back to 1993.
“The MYF continues to be a leading example of the indomitable Jamaican spirit through its vital work in community and youth development and nation-building. The Foundation has served over 25,000 Jamaican children and youth through several initiatives. In almost 70 communities across four parishes, MYF has contributed significantly to improving the lives of thousands of at-risk young people. The Foundation has also targeted children (aged 6-18) using artistic and sporting activities and other enrichment programmes and has reached youth (aged 16 – 29), employing a mixture of skills training, work experience and networking opportunities.
“Indeed, the YUTE Build, the YUTE Teach and the Starbucks YUTE Work Projects are a few commendable MYF projects. I applaud the team and board of directors under the Chairmanship of Joseph Matalon for their work. My administration is proud of its commitment to helping advance Jamaica’s social development through youth-focused philanthropic efforts. As the Foundation forges ahead with its vision for a better Jamaica, I encourage you to remain steadfast, ‘In the business of changing lives… Creating opportunities for vulnerable children and youth.’”
