The national youth profile provides a demographic profile of youth and attempts a census of the main activities in which they are engaged. It is estimated that there are approximately 450,556 young people between the ages of12 and 29 in Trinidad and Tobago, representing some 34.2 per cent of the national population with males (1 04,420) outnumbering females (85,302) by 51 per cent to 49 per cent.

Those in the age category 12 to 15 are usually found within secondary school system. The youth labour force (16 to 29 age group) accounts for some 201,000 (2009) of which males account for 117,100 and females 83,900. While the number of unemployed youth has been decreasing within the last few years (in 2000, the unemployed youth population was 38,900, while in 2009 this figure reduced to 18,000), when compared with the national unemployment rate, youth are still worse off. Many young people have taken advantage of opportunities and have continued in further education and others are in the many skills-based and apprenticeship programmes available for their usage. Unfortunately, many young people have found themselves in gangs and criminal activity.

Young people expressed anxiety about poverty and limited access to financing, as key determinants in accessing educational and training opportunities. They are also concerned about inadequate family support and guidance, in particular, by the children of teenaged-parents; bullying, peer pressure and low self-esteem; inappropriate curriculum for the needs of students; unhealthy learning environments; insufficient integration of new technology into the learning environment, thereby losing potential benefits; and inadequate information to youth, as many are unaware o f the opportunities that are open to them.

Young people living in rural areas were particularly concerned about a lack of transportation in certain areas and at certain times. Other issues that are in need of redress are: 1) a lack of access to key infrastructure and support systems to facilitate young people, including sporting, recreational, library and internet facilities, that are easily available in urban centres; and 2) curricula that are not sufficiently structured to meet their needs. Differently-abled youth have challenges related to transportation, access to learning institutions and their facilities as well as discrimination due to a lack of understanding by persons without visible disabilities.

Young people have named exploitation as their most critical issue with respect to employment. They cite exposure to several forms of exploitation including low wages, long hours, child labour and sexual harassment. Other areas of concern were lack of qualifications and work experience; lack o f information on jobs and opportunities that may be of interest to them; discrimination and lack of respect, especially with respect to age, stereotyping of individuals and denying youth access to jobs because of their 'rasta' hairstyles, their home address, their religion or their personal circumstances. They also dislike biased recruitment policies, the apparent nepotism or the 'who you know' approach to recruitment which demoralizes them and makes them cynical about the future. On the other hand, employers who do not engage in these practices are seen by some as 'not helping' family and friends.

The main challenges to youth health have been identified by young people as substance abuse decreased physical activity and inadequate sexual and reproductive health education at home, in school and within the wider community. It was felt that youth health services are insufficient and many of them were unaware of what constitutes sound health practices. Additionally, the physical infrastructure of many health and public facilities are quite old, in need of repair and inadequate in terms of space and layout. Service delivery can be protracted, with large crowds, long waiting times and laborious procedures, representing invisible barriers to access by young people. Many young people also expressed concern about the level of privacy and confidentiality in some health institutions. It is felt that unsafe sexual practices, a sedentary lifestyle and the dangers of second hand smoke are exposing their health and lives to innumerable risks.