The Caribbean Youth Empowerment Program II (CYEP) sponsored by the International Youth Foundation and funded by the United States Agency for Internal Development (USAID) has recently been completed and with a number of success stories.
Here is what one of the graduates had to say:
ODYSSER THOMAS
In speaking to Odysser Thomas, graduate of the Office Administration class of 2013, she shared with me her excitement of managing a supermarket single-handedly after her training and Internship in the CYEP programme. (See picture: Odysser Thomas, R, receiving her certificate).
Odysser experienced a period in her life without job to sustain and meet her needs. She was dependent on others for survival. She blamed her situation on her lack of education and qualification. Her goal in life is to have her own home but in order to do so she must be able to work and save. When she heard of the training programme at the GARD Center she decided to apply to gain some qualification and to be independent. The training was a challenge in itself since she was no good at spelling and was embarrassed to let others see her failure. She remembers the first spelling test, a zero that caught the attention of her English Teacher, who promptly took Ms. Thomas under her wings.
“The training in Sales, Marketing and Customer service really helped during my Internship, which allowed the proprietor to place me in charge of his business and left me to manage it for two months.” I now have a full time job as Manager of the business.
“I am so pleased with the training and the support I received. I see the improvement in my life and my attitude. Thank you CYEP and GARD Center.”
Category Archives: Job Placement
New Job Placement Officer
Mrs. June Jackson has officially joined the staff at the GARD Center in the capacity of Job Placement Officer/Mentoring Coordinator. Mrs Jackson was originally hired at the GARD Center as an Office Administration and Math & English Tutor.
The Board and Management of the GARD Center wish to welcome her to the GARD Center family.
Internships / Job Placements
During November and December 2013, the Job Placement Officer has successfully secured Internships for 13 out of the 14 female participants who attended the IT course; 12 out of the 14 women who completed the Business Enterprise course, and for all 17 participants who recently completed the Agricultural training course.
In addition to the Internships, Job Placements have been secured for 17 students who participated in the above mentioned courses.
The internship /job placement interviews with employers have been a welcoming experience, especially when they have good reviews of the students willingness to learn and more so that they are moldable. There are a few students who will be kept on as temporary employees and a few who will be made permanent over a period of time.
Most students showed great pride in their overall appearance and went beyond the call of duties assigned to them on the job. This was very well received by the employers and the GARD Center.
