Andre Harris' Leadership Journey in the Police Youth Club Movement
- Winsome M. Sherrier Witter
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Youth leadership becomes transformative when young people are allowed to serve their communities.
In this Serenity Resource Connector (SRC) Community Spotlight, we feature Andre Harris, newly elected Vice President of the National Police Youth Club Movement, whose leadership journey reflects commitment, continuity, and structured youth development through the Police Youth Club (PYC) Movement in Jamaica.
Andre serves on the May Pen and Longville Park Police Youth Club Advisory Committees and has supported youth initiatives across parishes. His work highlights how youth engagement programmes can strengthen communities, reduce risk behaviours, and create opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills.
This article is part of SRC’s Civic Learning Resource Series, designed to share practical insights and guidance that support youth empowerment, community development, and public engagement in Jamaica and the diaspora.
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Understanding the Police Youth Club Movement
The Police Youth Club Movement in Jamaica is a youth development initiative supported by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and community partners.
The movement provides young people with opportunities to develop:
leadership skills
discipline and teamwork
civic responsibility
mentorship relationships
community service experience
Police Youth Clubs operate across communities in Jamaica and play an important role in strengthening youth engagement and community safety.
A Leadership Journey Rooted in Service
Andre Harris’ involvement in the Police Youth Club Movement began with a desire to help young people in his community become the best versions of themselves.
After attending a meeting at the Golden Grove Police Youth Club, he quickly recognised the movement's value in providing mentorship and guidance to youth.
Within a short time, he became an active member and committed himself to supporting youth development through the club.
“I always try my best to be the best version of myself and help youths in my community and the wider society.”
His dedication would eventually lead to leadership roles that allowed him to support youth across multiple communities.
Learning from Youth Across Parishes
Serving in more than one parish gave Andre insight into the challenges and opportunities facing young people in different communities.
Through direct engagement with youth, he learned the importance of listening, mentorship, and structured leadership development.
These experiences reinforced his understanding that youth programmes must address the real concerns and aspirations of young people.
“It gave me a chance to hear what the youths have to say and helped to boost my leadership skills.”
Youth Leadership in Action: The Red Hills Community Sign Initiative
One of Andre’s notable initiatives was helping to lead the erection of a community sign for the Red Hills Police Youth Club.
The idea emerged when a visiting member had difficulty locating the club.
Recognising the need for visibility and community pride, Andre worked with:
fellow youth leaders
the municipal corporation
community members
local businesses
The sign was erected on Labour Day, demonstrating how youth-led initiatives can bring communities together.
The impact was immediate. Community members became more aware of the club and began asking how their children could participate.
“When people see the sign they ask, ‘What is the Police Youth Club? How can we join?’”
Why Reactivating Dormant Youth Clubs Is Urgent
Andre is currently working with the Clarendon Community Safety and Security Branch to reactivate dormant Police Youth Clubs across the parish.
Many young people lack access to mentorship, structured programmes, and safe spaces for personal development.
Youth clubs provide a positive alternative.
“Some young people say they don’t have anyone guiding them. That’s why we need to push the Police Youth Club Movement.”
Through partnerships with initiatives such as Project STAR, youth leaders are working to reconnect young people with programmes that encourage discipline, leadership, and opportunity.
Strengthening Trust Between Youth and Law Enforcement
Another important goal of the Police Youth Club Movement is to strengthen relationships between young people and law enforcement.
In some communities, misconceptions about the police discourage youth from participating in youth clubs.
To address this challenge, clubs organise activities that promote positive engagement, including:
sports and games
motivational sessions
discussions with police officers
faith-based mentorship and encouragement
These activities help young people see law enforcement officers as partners in community development.
National Leadership and Expanding Opportunities
Andre’s dedication to youth leadership recently led to his election as Vice President of the National Police Youth Club Movement.
This role allows him to support youth initiatives across Jamaica.
“Now I can spread my wings wider and cover the wider Jamaica.”
One of his priorities is helping young people gain certification for their skills, enabling them to access employment opportunities and build sustainable futures.
A Vision for Youth Development in Jamaica
Andre believes that active youth clubs can play a significant role in strengthening communities.
If dormant Police Youth Clubs were reactivated across Jamaica, the impact could include:
increased youth mentorship
improved community engagement
reduced crime and violence
stronger employment pathways for young people
“If we can save ten youths in each community, that’s ten less criminals to deal with and stronger communities overall.”
SRC Civic Learning Insights
Andre Harris’ journey highlights several lessons for youth leadership and community development in Jamaica.
Service inspires leadership
Many young leaders begin by simply wanting to help others. Youth programmes provide structured opportunities for leadership growth and development.
Visibility strengthens engagement
Initiatives such as the Red Hills community sign demonstrate how awareness can increase youth participation.
Structured youth engagement supports community safety
Youth clubs provide mentorship and activities that reduce risk behaviours.
Community support sustains youth programmes
Parents, businesses, and community organisations all play a role in maintaining active youth programmes.
Leadership development strengthens communities
Empowering youth today contributes to stronger communities tomorrow.
How Young People Can Get Involved
Young people interested in joining the Police Youth Club Movement in Jamaica can connect with clubs in their communities.
You can also reach out through the National Police Youth Club Movement’s official platforms to learn more about available clubs.
Participation in youth leadership programmes provides opportunities for:
mentorship and personal development
community service
leadership training
skills development
employment pathways
About Serenity Resource Connector
Serenity Resource Connector (SRC) is a civic education and public engagement platform that provides access to practical information, leadership stories, and community development resources.
SRC highlights initiatives that support:
youth empowerment
community safety
civic engagement
leadership development
public awareness
Our goal is to connect individuals, organisations, and communities with the knowledge and resources needed to build a better Jamaica.
Partner Support
Serenity Resource Connector acknowledges the partners who support initiatives that strengthen youth leadership and community engagement.
Juici Patties — Q1 Youth Empowerment Partner
National Self-Serve Wholesale — Community Safety and Security Partner
Their support helps sustain platforms that invest in leadership development and community resilience.
Stay Connected
Watch more Community Spotlight features on the Serenity Resource Connector YouTube channel.
Together, we continue highlighting leadership that strengthens communities across Jamaica.
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