Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit was at the 46th graduation ceremony of the Youths Skills Training Program where 92 graduands received certifications in various skills acquisition programs. The program was put together by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Constituency Empowerment and held at the Goodwill Parish Hall. It was tagged “Building Resilience: One Training at a Time”.
The 92 graduands which comprised of males and females, as well as prison inmates, were trained and certified in skills such as –
- Computer Literacy
- Computer Maintenance
- Leather Craft
- Woodwork
- Small Engine Repairs
- Plumbing, and
- Electrical Wiring
The prime minister while addressing the youths tasked them on taking up new economic opportunities that will make them independent in life as well as strengthen the economy. Taking agriculture as one area where youths can make a huge difference, Skerrit said “you can make money in agriculture. There are huge opportunities in Agriculture. There are huge opportunities in our country, and we just have to place ourselves and be committed to hard work through diligence.”
Then he continued: “And we must always look at the positive side of life. Because all of us, including myself, have many things that we can complain about. When I attended school, I always knew that I would succeed because I always told myself there are thousands of people which have traveled this road before me and were successful; and therefore if they were successful, why wouldn’t I be successful as well? And we must never doubt our abilities; the good Lord has given each of us a talent. It is left to us as individuals, and of course supported by society, to identify the talent and utilize it for our continued advancement.”
Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Justina Charles-Riviere, was present at the occasion. She commended the organizers of the program for setting up skills acquisition courses that meet with current needs in Dominica, most especially following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Acting Assistant Chief Youth Development Officer, Caesarina Paul, applauded the graduands for their persistence with their training, bemoaning the damaged facilities which the hurricane hit.
Ms. Paul revealed that the Youth Skills Training Program is centered on life skills which are aimed at preparing trainees for life challenges. The skills cultivated at the program will develop participants for enterprise careers when they complete their training.
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.
Caesarina Paul: Acting Assistant Chief Youth Development Officer
This article is copyright © 2019 DOM767
