Weaknesses in education systems & disparities in access to quality education persist in the Caribbean, leading to high drop-out rates, performance challenges among youth & threatening long-term sustainable development. Additionally, the challenging economic and family dynamics contribute to a growing number of unsupervised children and youth during out-of-school hours. This lack of supervision increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors and hinders the development of positive skills and behaviors. Schools cannot do it all. Youth need additional support to succeed academically and become confident, healthy, and engage citizens. Weak education systems, unequal access to quality education, and gendered perceptions hinder Caribbean children's development. High drop-out rates and performance issues among boys and girls threaten sustainable development. Economic and family challenges result in unsupervised out-of-school hours for youth, leading to risky behaviors. Community support is essential for academic success, confidence, and healthy citizenship.

The YMCAs of Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago with CIBC FCIB ComTrust Foundation partnered to enhance YMCA After School programmes in the Caribbean region by leveraging promising practices, share innovative curriculum and learning activities, and increase community support to benefit more children and youth. The goal is to enhance the quality of after school programmes to support positive cognitive, physical, and social emotional learning for youth in the community in 9 components: 21st Century Skills; Arts; College & career readiness; Family and parent engagement; Global learning & inclusion; Health and wellness; Academic enrichment; Leadership development; and Service-learning.