The youth development fraternity in the Caribbean has often lamented the slow pace of the recognition of youth development as a profession; the absence of a clearly defined framework for the professionalization of youth development work; and also the inadequacy of collaboration among youth development stakeholders. These concerns assume even greater significance given the centrality of youth dynamics in our overall development ethos. Indeed, our efforts at sustainable development may be elusive unless they are impacted by a professionalized youth development culture. These competency standards are timely and relevant because they attempt to address the deficiencies in the existing youth development environment.
They open a whole new realm of possibilities and opportunities, such as, professional development, job evaluation, job classification and certification. The initiative is the product of extensive collaboration among youth development stakeholders and other important entities, such as public service commissions, ministry of public service, tertiary institutions, Labour and Manpower Planning Agencies, trade unions, and examination bodies across the region.
The standards articulate a holistic framework for professional development and are useful to assess professional competences. The standards along with other ongoing initiatives to enhance the policy development environment, should serve to accelerate the process of professionalization of youth development work within the Caribbean Community.