The fifth group of young people to participate in the Passport2Success programme participated in orientation on Tuesday, 13 September, at the International College of the Cayman Islands.
The initiative, which is quickly becoming known for its high job conversion rate, as well as its practical approach and commitment to the development of young people, is attributed to Education Minister Rolston Anglin. He attended the orientation and engaged the group with regard to the expectations of the Ministry, as well as what the participants should expect from the programme.
“Our aim is to have every one of you complete the programme, as there are always four or five that don’t make it and we want to see you give it your all, as well as believe in yourselves and be willing to change. This programme is about empowering you to build a successful life and career,” he said.
The minster said youngsters should expect, “high quality instruction, an eye-opening experience to career possibilities and the opportunity to develop job and life skills.”
From an initial group of 49, only 25 will take part in this instalment of Passport2Success.
According to Tasha Ebanks-Garcia of The Wellness Centre, which facilitates the initiative, Passport2Success will run for 12 weeks and is “definitely something the community needs.”
“Somewhere between 60 and 70 per cent of the individuals who have come through the programme have been employed,” she said. “It is amazing to see what people can and will accomplish when given the skills. Many of our young people have not had jobs or graduated from high school. They need a place to learn the skills that will equip them to function in a work setting. Too often we take it for granted that someone is teaching them these things and at times that is not the case.”
Ms Ebanks-Garcia said sometimes there are negative influences that can inhibit development, such as wrong messages. She categorised these sentiments as stigmas attached to certain forms of labour.
“For two days we put them in jobs that they may not like to let them see that every job has worth, and then we get them into areas of interest for the rest of the time in order to give them a well-rounded experience,” she said.
“With this group of young people, the programme wants to drive home the idea of what an entry-level position is and the fact that there is great honour in working in an entry-level position, as it is the foundation and starting point.”
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