Georgetown: Cassy Crawford, a young mother, was Friday recognized as the best graduating student in the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sports Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) Programme. She along with 84 other students recently completed their studies at the Sophia Training Centre where they were pursuing vocational programmes.
In her valedictorian speech, Ms. Crawford noted that the successful completion of this course by herself and classmates is an indication that they have the ability to complete a task of this nature. She added that this will motivate them to pursue higher education.
Aside from Ms. Crawford, there was one other student who displayed a high level of determination when it came to completing his studies. That student is Rayon Neville who lost one of his legs in an accident.
“Your performance is worthy of note…I am sure that the six (6) months you spent attending classes here were very challenging, but your perseverance has borne fruits. You are now skilled in the areas to which you were exposed, and I encourage you to develop those skills to the fullest,” stated the Minister within the Ministry of Education, Hon. Nicolette Henry in her remarks.
The Minister noted that the public and private agencies that will accommodate the students during their six weeks attachment and have committed to offering permanent employment is an indication that what is taught at the Sophia Training Centre and the performance of the students during their attachment, are a credit to the Centre. “I would like to urge you to continue to be good ambassadors of this Centre,” Minister Henry declared.
The students were offered six months of training in the following courses – Catering, Information Technology & Office Administration, Masonry, Plumbing & Sheet Metal, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, and Welding & Fabrication. The Minister recognized that persons with vocational skills are needed in the job market. “Now, that you are empowered, I encourage you to further develop those skills this will result in the development of yourselves, your communities, and eventually that of the country,” the Minister highlighted.
Minister Henry emphasized that each graduate should see themselves as an agent of change who is now equipped with the knowledge and skills that can make them self-dependent. “Utilize your talents and the skills you have acquired in the areas you have been taught to develop products and services from which you can earn a living,” the Minister urged.
Minister Henry indicated that the government understands that the future of this country lies in the hands of empowered young people; and as a result, a number of training programmes like this, and in leadership, have been conducted in almost every region of the country. “When you are empowered, particularly in skills, some of which you were exposed to, you are building for yourselves, your families, your communities, and your country, a bright future,” stated Minister Henry.
Ms. Debra Johnson while presenting the course review noted that the 29th YEST programme commenced on May 16th, 2016 with 105 trainees however 85 were able to graduate. While the programme targets youths from within the environs of the city, there were students from Timehri, Parfait Harmony, Bagotsville, Crane and Ann’s Grove. There were also two students from Belldrum and Moleson Creek.
Aside from the courses offered, the students were exposed to remedial Maths, English Language, Entrepreneurship and drama classes.
Appreciation was extended to the institutions partners and supporters which include Action Cool, Brass Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry, Carnegie School of Home Economics, CUSO International, GPHC, GDf, GPF, GPS, Guysons Engineering, National Archives, NIS, National Ozone _ Ministry of Agriculture, Peace University, Mr. Colin Marks, Mr. John Greaves, Ms. Osleen Kendall, Mrs. Jewel Collier-Swan (Caricaom), Peace Corp Int’l, Mr. Jerminal Destine, Mr .Sankar (UG) and Mr. Tony Shaw.
You must be logged in to post a comment.