Adolescence
There are 530,338 adolescents (10 to 19 years old) in Jamaica. Education There are 593 public institutions in Jamaica which provide secondary level education for students. It should be noted that a number of these institutions are junior-high or all-age schools which provide an education only up to grade nine level. While school enrollment rates are high at all levels, attendance rates at the secondary school level are cause for concern. Statistics indicate that 77.4 percent of secondary level attendees are sent to school for all five days. There have been efforts to develop a standard curriculum and uniform standards in secondary level schools under the Reform of Secondary Education (ROSE) programme, this has not been fully realised. Concerns about the quality of education, linked with overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, teacher renumeration and the state of school plants, also exist at the secondary level. Secondary education is not free, but is provided under a cost sharing scheme in which students pay fees to the schools they attend. Those parents who cannot afford to pay fees can apply for assistance under a consolidated social benefits programme. In 2000, adolescents accounted for over one-fifth of all births, but the 2002 Reproductive Health Survey reported lower fertility rates and a lower percentage of adolescents planning pregnancies. HIV/AIDS also poses a major threat to the adolescent population which is one of the groups at high risk of infection. Almost 10 percent of all reported AIDS cases are among persons under 19 years of age and young girls are at even greater risk of HIV infection than young boys, partially because of intergenerational and transactional sex. Social Environment The increasing violence in Jamaica undermines children’s access to education, their learning abilities and their social and psychological well-being. A recent survey conducted by the Ministry of Health in Kingston and St. Andrew concluded that a quarter of adolescents do not feel 100 percent safe in their communities. Many report having seen a dead body and having witnessed gang violence. Adolescent/Youth Participation Jamaica approved a National Youth Policy in June 2004, which sets out Government's proposal and companion plan of action for youth development. This plan of action is being finalised. The new policy will address issues such as employment and entrepreneurship; health; education and training; care and protection; and participation and empowerment. National and Parish Youth Councils are being established as a part of the completion of the policy.
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