Youth-For-Development Network

The mission of YFDN is to use the power of sport combined with an arts empowerment “creative community” model to engage vulnerable and hard-to-reach youth, with a theory of change emphasizing safe environments, compassion, mindfulness, deep listening, and cultural competence—linking these to improved life opportunities and quality of life for youth across Jamaica. YFDN utilizes evidence-based methodologies such as positive youth development (PYD), sport-for-development, and multi-arts to engage and empower young people and frontline youth workers. Over the past 15 years, YFDN has made a significant and direct impact on the lives of more than 9000 young people aged 10 to 29. YFDN not only support young people but have also collaborated with over 25 partners across nine parishes in Jamaica, training over 1000 adults, community leaders, and correctional staff. YFDN’s approach combines sport-based engagement with psychosocial resilience building, workforce readiness training, mentorship, and community-led campaigns. YFDN has implemented structured interventions in low performing schools, rural and urban communities, and correctional environments, and is recognized for delivering high-impact youth-centered program aligned with national and international development priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Financially, YFDN maintains proper accounting records and produces audited financial statements in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the Company’s Act of Jamaica. Past and Current Major Activities include: "Art2Connect" & Camp Heart2Art - (Residential and Non-residential creative arts micro-project; youth resilience & violence coping camps)

“Project START” & U'tZ Champion - Sport-based employability + technical skills (solar/electrical tracks)

"Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, Jamaica" (multi-cohort women’s entrepreneurship program; linked to Valuing Our Women (VOW)

UNESCO SALIENT “Youth for Peace Sports Day” (life skills + respect/GBV themes)

“Gifts That Give Back” women-led business recovery + humanitarian support (Hurricane Melissa)