PROGRAMME GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

To facilitate capacity enhancement and change in self-perception and outlook among incarcerated youth through exposure to key aspects of the Arts.
To promote unity, tolerance, mutual respect and understanding of individual differences among community members in a diverse globalized environment.
To increase awareness of the value of theatre, sport and the arts in generating income and as a career pathway.
To promote greater self-confidence and stimulate creativity and self-expression.

Theatre Arts Intervention for Community Renewal : “New Route for Youth” 2019 – 2023

Since the incorporation of YARD, we have provided exposure to boys at risk with a view to transform their challenging lifestyle to a more positive way of thinking. Thereby empowering our youth to realize their true potential and greatness. YARD EMPIRE has received generous support from the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Bureau of Gender Affairs Community Outreach for Partnership & Empowerment (C.O.P.E. Initiative)

YARD EMPIRE has embarked on a Theatre Arts program for youth-at-risk who reside in and around Downtown Kingston. The Programme Goal is to facilitate change in self-perception and outlook among these youth and to use the Arts as essential tools to facilitate their development.

OAS/USAID/TRUST at Ministry of National Security-Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre 2017 – 2019

Throught funding from the OAS/USAID TRUST and cooperation with the Ministry of National Security, Y.A.R.D. EMPIRE conducted a series of activities dubbed ” A New Path” which sought to aid in the rehabilitation of the wards through training and exposure to the Performing Arts. In a thrust to ensure continuity, warders also recevied training.

Painting of Mural on exterior perimeter wall of Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre on February 23, 2019.
Second Collaboration with OAS/USAID/TRUST (upon invitation from OAS based on success of 2017) “A NEW PATH” programme at Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre 6 months February – August 2018
Second Collaboration with OAS/USAID/TRUST (upon invitation from OAS based on success of 2017) “A NEW PATH” programme at Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre 6 months February – August 2018
YARD EMPIRE /TASTEE Father’s Day 2018 Symposium at Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional
Rio Cobre boys performed Play “Jamaica 55”at Ministry National Security-We Transform 2017.
Collaboration with OAS/USAID/TRUST with their “A NEW PATH” programme at the Ministry of National Security’s (Department of Corrections) Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre Summer Programme 2017 for 8 weeks .