A GANAR Secondary School Programme Starts on High Note of Expectation
St. Kitts, (EMU) –: Director of the National Skills Training Programme June James says she is heartened by the show of support from parents and business men and women as A Ganar launches cycle three of its Secondary Schools Work-Based Programme.
The programme, which emphasizes the development of youths through sports, focuses on increasing their employability and improving their life skills by way of development of core skills as well as technical and vocational skills.
In an orientation ceremony for new participants on Tuesday, Director James assured the students that their lives would be enriched if they made use of the opportunity as the facilitators, have committed to the theme “Inside every child are seeds of success. It is our job to cultivate them.”
“The instructors will give of their time and facilities to ensure that you learn the skills that are essential to your success in life,” said Mrs. James, “Various employers will provide the opportunity for you to gain work experience. We have met with your parents and they have pledged their commitment in providing the necessary support and encouragement for you.”
National Skills Training Programme Officer Essinton Watts sought to motivate the youth calling on them to internalize the concept of self approval.
“Our job is to cultivate the seed that is in you but you have to believe in yourself. “ Mr. Watts said.
Emphasizing the four phases that comprise the A GANAR Programme, Coordinator Ruby Thomas encouraged the new participants to familiarize themselves with past participants of the programme who for the most part have very complimentary things to say and who can also testify of its rewards.
Commenting on the four phases of the programme including: Employability Skills, Job Training, Mentorship and Technical/Vocational Skills Training, Principal TVET Officer Fritzroy Wilkin told participants they were extremely fortunate.
He added, “It is the only programme in St. Kitts and Nevis where while you are in school you can secure a scholarship to University through sports. We do have scholarships available.” stated Mr. Wilkin.
The A GANAR Programme focuses on six core skills including respect, discipline, team work, communication; focus and results as well as continuous self improvement.
The Ministry of Education solicited the assistance of Partners of the Americas which secured funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to finance the programme. USAID appointed two coordinators in St. Kitts and Nevis in the persons of Ruby Thomas (St. Kitts) and Elneth Toussaint Harvey (Nevis).