…as training programme launched
A training programme which seeks to impart a skill and personal development techniques to forty “at-risk” youths from Sophia was launched at the Pattensen Community Centre yesterday afternoon.
In delivering the charge to the trainees, Minster of Home Affairs Clement Rohee said that the training will be done as part of the IDB-funded Citizen Security Programme and will enable the youths to face challenges and difficulties in their lives.
He commended them for the positive step they had taken to be part of the project and told them that there was no easy way out of problems; the only solution was hard work.
Rohee added that the skills they acquired would equip them with the opportunities they needed to start a new life, be a productive person in the society and compete in the marketplace which he said was survival of the fittest.
Meanwhile, Rosanne Purnwasie, the programme’s Community Action Specialist, said that the launch was the first of its kind in ten communities where the programme will be undertaken. At the end of the training, trainees will receive a Certificate of Competency which will enable them to apply for jobs.
She encouraged them to stick with the programme so that they can gain skills and to see it as a development project where they can make their community a strong one.
Colin Marks, Community Action Officer, Sophia urged the youths to pay attention and rake in the fruits of the skills which they would be taught. Marks said that the training was unique, innovative and filled a void in the community. He said it was unique since the training will take place in the community and the trainers are resource persons from there.
One of the trainees, Matthew Primo thanked the government and committee for giving him the opportunity to “do something in my life.” Primo who is pursuing courses in masonry encouraged his peers to continue in the programme so that they can be equipped with the tools needed to improve their lives.
Andy Moore, one of the trainers, encouraged the participants to be disciplined and be punctual for classes. He urged, “Don’t stay where you are, strive for better. Show us that you really want to learn.”
The skills training, which formally began on August 2, is expected to run for six months and caters for forty youths who are school drops-outs.
During the programme, trainees were presented with tools in the case of masons, general stipends and child care allowances for single mothers to facilitate their participation in the programme.
