SIF trains 429 to help develop the nation

Participants who took part in the six week Social Investment Fund (SIF) Capacity Building Training, were awarded certificates at a graduation ceremony held at the Venezuelan Institute for Culture and Co-operation on August 25, 2010.{{more}}

During the training exercises participants from Barrouallie, Kingstown and North Union took part in six programmes, which included: Leadership, financial management, role of the executive, communications, project writing and project management.

A total of 429 persons participated in the programme: 91 from Barrouallie, 124 from North Union and 214 from Kingstown.

Speaking at the ceremony, SIF’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Theophilus Shallow said that over the years SIF has been involved in a lot of projects and continues to help in the development of the country.

Shallow added that programmes such as Capacity Building Training would be beneficial to persons of the various communities and help in their development.

Rosita Snagg, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Mobilization, stated that the development of any country depends on its people.

She added there must be a holistic approach towards development if Vincentians are to build a better St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“The importance of empowering communities to build a stronger nation can not be overlooked since we are the guardians of our communities. We have to shape the people,” said Snagg while delivering the feature address.

Snagg also mentioned the significance of guiding young people along the correct path, ensuring they have a stable future. “We need to understand our youth and help them become better persons…we can’t just write them off,” she noted.

She also implored the graduates not to sit on their newly acquired knowledge, but instead put it to good use. “Do not put down your certificates. Put what you’ve learnt into practice and help build the nation,” she said.

Venezuelan ambassador Yoel Perez Marcano sharing brief remarks said the six week programme is not just about what the participants learnt but also what they can give back to society.

Marcano added that such a programme: “Enhances the spirit, gives food to the mind and develops our capacities and help us to share with society.”