At the 46th graduation of the Youth Skills Training Program yesterday, July 31, ninety-two (92) persons received certification in seven(7) skill areas namely Computer Literacy, Computer Maintenance, Leather Craft, Woodwork, Small Engine Repairs, Plumbing, and Electrical Wiring.
Some of the trainees were rewarded with prizes for outstanding work. Assistant Chief Youth Development Officer (Ag), Ms. Caesarina Paul said that the Youth Skills Training Program has become a household name in Dominica. In her status report, she spoke of some of the challenges facing the training program which include damaged facilities and facilities been used as housing for persons who lost their homes during Hurricane Maria.
Having lost their office building, the division’s administrative office is presently housed at one of their training centers. She thanked the Dominica Legions and the Center where Adolescents Learn to Love and Serve (CALLS) for the use of their buildings which greatly assisted the division to resume training. She went on to say that to date the Youth Center Life Skills Program is yet to be resumed.
Paul said that what sets the Youth Skills Training Program apart is its life skills component. “While the Youth Division focuses on skills cultivation and enterprise development and promotion, much emphasis is placed on the holistic formation of our young people. We recognize the importance of the psychosocial development of the human person, thus life skills which are often called ‘soft skills’, such as self esteem and leadership development, citizenship, remedial literacy and numeracy, Health and Family Life Education, Office Etiquette, Social Skills and business awareness form an integral aspect of what we offer those who respond to the call.”
Fifty-three(53) persons completed training in Computer Literacy, while three(3) young men completed training in Plumbing. Nine(9) young men graduated in Small Engine Repairs and in Electrical Wiring respectively. A special round of applause went to the three(3) young ladies who completed training in Woodwork and the ten(10) inmates who graduated from LeatherCraft at the Dominica State Prison. The graduation was held under the theme, ‘Building Resilience One Training At A Time’.
