Top gospel artistes to entertain inner-city youth for Father's Day

On Father's Day, some of the island's leading gospel artistes will be putting on a free concert for 3,000 young men between the ages of 15 and 25, from inner-city communities. The event, dubbed Meet A Father, Change a Life, will be held at the National Arena.

Performers will include Kevin Downswell, Rondell Positive, Ity, Blacka, and Dunamis.

The entertainment is part of a special day of activities that has been initiated by a prayer group consisting of men from various denominations who have been meeting every Tuesday morning for the past 15 years for prayer and Bible study. The event, however, is being organised in collaboration with Men's Bible Study Group Limited, the Umbrella Group of Churches, Operation Save Jamaica, and Choose Life International.

The young men, from various communities in Kingston and St Catherine, will be treated to a day of World Cup football, fun, food and mentorship provided by father figures from the church, civil society, and corporate Jamaica. The fathers will be able to share, guide and listen to the dreams and aspirations of the young men. During the day, the young men will also be able to interact with representatives of agencies and organisations such as the Jamaica Defence Force Recruitment Unit, The Ministry of National Security Expungement Unit, the Registrar General's Department, Caribbean Maritime University, police youth clubs, HEART/Trust NTA, and Restorative Justice.

"We are looking forward to this initiative making a positive impact on the lives of these young men, who presently see very little hope for their future. This is meant to offer them jobs and personal development opportunities as we work in partnership with the various agencies and organisations.

"It is a timely intervention as Jamaica faces a grim future, with scores of our young men continuing to operate in a society without proper guidance, direction and support. We pray that this event will change the lives of the participants, their families and communities for a brighter future," said Daren Lawrence, a member of the planning committee.