The project aims to reduce the vulnerability of children and youth to crime and gang membership in the Collet, Lake Independence, Pickstock and Port Loyola divisions of Belize City; and will provide services to enhance literacy and adaptive life skills, support conflict mediation, and improve inter-linkages and the sharing of best practices among participating agencies working in those communities.

The YCT Project Implementation Unit oversees the day to day implementation activities. The project partners with various agencies, namely the YMCA, Community Policing Unit, Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence, Belize Friends School, Dept of Youth Services, Community Rehabilitation Department, NICH, for the implementation of the various programs. The procurement of all services and goods are done through the PIU and given to the agencies for them to implement the programs.

The project unit has conducted several trainings with the participating agencies in Conflict Mediation, Life Skills Group Facilitation, the use of FAMCare - online data base tool used for case management and monitoring and evaluation. These training were completed to ensure proper implementation of particular programs and to enhance reporting and documentation.

This project is governed by a Project Steering Committee comprised of representatives from various line Ministries and National Committee for Families and Children. In addition, there is a Project Operations Manual that was developed which outlines project guidelines and expectations.

Caribbean Development Bank; Government of Belize's Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation