With the objective of raising the levels of literacy of young adults in their community, the New Grounds, Adelphi, Chapmans Adult Literacy coordinating group (NACALCOG) launched their skills training programme.{{more}}

At a ceremony which took place at the South Central Windward Learning Resource Centre on Monday, Yolande Yaw, Operations Officer of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), said that his institution is always keen to help in development. He went on to say that training of individuals is the first step to assist in the development of a country.

He urged the participants to apply themselves and informed them that at the end of programme they will be certified. This, he believes, will allow participants to be more marketable.

Yaw encouraged the participants to “bridge gender gaps” and form network programmes. He said those programmes will help to develop individuals which in turn will impact their communities.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel Williams, Chairperson of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), revealed that his organization has so far invested EC$100 million in infrastructural development in this country.

He said we must be “competitively equipped to be on par with the other persons across the region.” Williams stated that the project is a pilot project and urged the participants to make use of the opportunity given to them.

Cleopatra Jackson, Chairperson of Nacalcog, said the group was formed one year ago after the National Literacy crusade ended. She said tremendous work was put in to get the project underway. Jackson stated that the four areas of training – Electrical Wiring, Garment Construction, Plumbing and Electronic Repairs were the areas most requested for training.

The 60 participants have already commenced classes in Business and Life skills. This is to help prepare the trainees for the job market.

Jackson told the participants: “This is serious business. Do your best.”

The project is funded by grants from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines. (VM)