Aiding 3-D Youths of Jamaica and

- The 3 “Ds”: Disadvantaged, Disaffected and Disabled – Hence, “A3DY”

In Jamaica, unemployment and under-employment are high. When this is combined with a lack of early positive family experiences, the life-chances and choices of disadvantaged and often disabled youths invariably leads to social disaffection. It is then that the tempting route to survival and self-worth becomes predominantly becomes crime and violence. And so if hopelessness is not to consume children who themselves too quickly become parents perpetuating that cycle of poverty, then “Aiding 3-D Youths” becomes paramount to Jamaica. Indeed, joining forces with relevant sympathetic community groups and associated children homes like Alpha Boys’ School with the aim of offering tangible help becomes a necessary means for some hope, self-respect and motivation for economic activities.

So besides focusing on help to Alpha, ABAPDC seeks to forge ties with the likes of Mustard Seed (Zinc-Link), the Unity Church, People’s Action for Community Transformation, and others who aim to make a tangible difference to youthful lives. Aiding 3-D Youths is funded exclusively by a developing Diaspora partnership between ABAPDC (UK) and The Mango Tree Foundation (California) to ensure young vulnerable and at risk boys and girls are helped where it matters, and when it matters. Aiding 3-D Youths therefore depends on those of you with generous hearts to help them make even a small difference to those lives. It might be small, but it is an investment in bettering lives. ABAPDC therefore asks you to help. Email ABAPDC from here or A3DY from here; or the MangoTree Foundation from here. Or, to go ahead to make a small donation from the PayPal page, click here. Thank you.

Official launch of A3DY: Marcia Thwaites speaks to some of those attending the launch of A3DY in the Sister Ignatius Hospitality Room on the 18^th June 2006. ABAPDC handed over £2500 in support of its work.	Unity Church: a few musicians, including ex-Alpha boys, being given the opportunity of continuing learning music. A3DY provides some instruments & tutoring.	Visiting Alpha Workshop: “past boy”, Raymond Marlow, engages the workshop supervisor on the day of the launch, welcoming A3DY’s supportive efforts. Ray now teaches music in St Ann.	Zinc-Link: a Mustard Seed project that welcomes A3DY’s interest and willingness to support this Internet service in one of the poorest and most troubled areas of Kingston.

- He ain’t heavy, he is my brother.