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.”
Weaving and Textile Course
This course is now in full swing!
The students are enjoying the practical course and are hands-on from winding the warp to creating their own patterns on their looms. Spinning our own Sea Island cotton is also part of the training.
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.
Global Entrepreneurial Week 18 – 24 November 2013
Antigua and Barbuda celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week with the rest of the world.
This is the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job creators who launch start ups which bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.
For more information click on link. http://ag.unleashingideas.
EU Project – Monitoring Visit
Mr. Koen Rossel-Cambier, EU representative, visited the GARD Center on Wednesday, 13 November 2013. He brought with him a local representative from the office of the NAO – Mrs. Juray Roberts.
They were introduced to the members of staff and tutors and both were given a tour of the facilities. They also viewed first-hand a Weaving and Textile class which was in session.
– Fruitful discussions included:
o Project progress with emphasis on the results and their indicators as in the logical framework.
o Project visibility and the visibility plan.
o Preparation of the upcoming new disbursement request, with the accountant.
Mr. Rossel-Cambier was pleased to hear that the GARD Center is being considered to be an accredited CVQ Center.
The meeting ended with Mr. Rossel-Cambier taking some of GARD Center pamphlets and the promotional video and Mrs. Roberts stating their pleasure in meeting with the staff at the GARD Center.
Business Development Unit – Refreshed!
The Business Development Unit, very recently received a ‘face-lift’ with a colourful new wall and lovely artwork donated by a Friend of The Center. Pictured below is the Business Development Officer, Mr. Johan Oliver, center, with Ms. Brenda Carrott, Public Relations Consultant, left, and Mr. Whitfield Joshua Jr., Youth Entrepreneur, who is receiving business advisory services from the Unit.
Gender Sensitisation Workshop
The GARD Center recently trained four (4) persons on Gender Sensitisation. This training was held on 5th November 2013, at the Youth Affairs office.
Trained were two tutors from the evening Business Enterprise Course and two Mentors who will be mentoring the young entrepreneurs who graduated from the Business Enterprise training, a month ago.
Ms. Cleon Athill, who is the Director of Youth Affairs ably facilitated this training session.
Additional Recognition for the GARD Center
On Friday, 1 November 2013, during the 32nd Independence Ceremony of the Nation of Antigua and Barbuda, the Executive Director of the GARD Center, Mrs. Roberta Williams received the Grand Officer of the Most Illustrious Order of Merit (GOM). This national award was for her work over the last twenty-four (24) years with youth and community development through the GARD Center.
Mrs. Williams was very humbled and became emotional as the Governor General, Dame Louise Lake-Tack,
shook her hand in front of the hundreds of folks gathered at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds to view the proceedings.
Roberta, later emailed her staff to officially inform them of her award and wrote, “This award is for all of us, for all those who over the years have contributed to the growth of our Center and to all of you who are incredible. I cannot say thank you enough… Thank you all again for your passion and support. May God bless you all and to Him all honor and glory.”
The staff of the GARD Center wish to congratulate the Executive Director on receiving this prestigious award, of which she is truly deserving.
GARD Center – Caribbean Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP) Graduation Ceremony
GARD Center – Caribbean Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP) Graduation Ceremony was held on Thursday, 24 October, 2013, at the Ebenezer Methodist Church on St. Mary’s Street, St. John’s.
This celebrated the completion of phase 2 of this four (4) year training programme, which began in early 2009.
Seventy-two young men and women graduated after successfully completing training in Basic Cookery; Computer Repair; Food and Beverage Service; Garden Technician; Office Administration and Welding. These youth were also required to undergo a period of Internship after their classroom training. (See picture to left, with a part of the graduates and audience).
Congratulatory remarks were given to the graduates by, Ms. Karen-Mae Hill, Managing Director of Trium Bank & Trust Ltd., one of our Internship/Job Placement companies and Her Excellency, Deborah Mae Lovell, Ambassador, Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda and Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to OAS.
Mrs. Joanna Ramos-Romero, Program Manager of the International Youth Foundation, donor partner, (pictured left) gave remarks on behalf of her organisation. Sen. Shawn Nicholas, shared remarks from the Hon. Dr. Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, who was unable to attend due to other commitments. The Feature Address was ably delivered by Rev. Belinda Daniel, Pastor of the Old Road & Urlings, Moravian Churches, and challenged the youth to use training received as the first positive step in their lives and to continue to improve their lives from this point.
Ms. Kiosha Joseph, Office Administration graduate delivered the Welcome remarks, (pictured left, giving her comments, with the Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Cleon Athill, looking on). Ms. Deuce Nanton, Basic Cookery graduate gave remarks on behalf of the graduates, while Ms. Merlisa Harris, Office Administration graduate entertained those present with a Poem.
Specially invited guest, Her Excellency, Dame Louise Lake-Tack, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda presented the top students with their prizes.
This training phase saw three young ladies emerge into the top spots. Ms. Tiffany Fletchman from Tour Guiding; Ms. Kiosha Joseph from Office Administration and Ms. Deuce Nanton from Basic Cookery, who emerged as the overall top student. All 3 of these ladies each received in addition to a special certificate, a book and stylus from the GARD Center and a gift packet from the St. John’s Cooperative Credit Union (SJCCU), another partner of the Center.
Presentation of other Certificates was distributed by Mr. Craig Richards, General Manager, Caribbean Services, one of our Internship/Job Placement companies, and Ms. Anika Aska, District Officer, North East Zone, Agricultural Extension Division and GARD Center Instructor.
