Single women trying to raise a child or children on their own may find it difficult to enhance their career prospects. They need financial resources, child care and other support to pursue opportunities.
The alternative education programme Passport2Success, which is overseen by the Ministry of Education, Training and Employment, is focussing its current course on single women. The orientation for this new group was 16 January at the International College of the Cayman Islands.
This addition to the programme’s portfolio is an expansion of the original model, which concentrated on school leavers. However, the programme intends to expand to serve other groups.
The 20-week course will expose each woman to parenting advice, employability skills and keys to workplace success. As a part of the programme the women will also be on the job two days per week beginning in the fourth week. During this time, the curriculum will provide an emphasis on the acquisition of tangible skills women may use to secure employment.
Designed by Mr. Anglin, Passport2Success is a programme dedicated to turning around the lives of at-risk youth. The programme has garnered the attention of the United Nations Educational Scientific Organisation for its success rates and community advancement.
With more than 124 young people having graduated from Passport2Success through December 2011, the undertaking boasts a completion rate of 80 per cent, while 70 per cent of graduates are employed or furthering their education.
Mrs. Shannon Seymour of the Wellness Centre said, “We are very excited to begin the expansion of the Passport2Success programme. Single mothers carry an incredible responsibility for the parenting of children and running of households in our community. Ensuring that those single mothers who want to gain employment are given the skills and opportunities they need to be successful is critical. Supporting single mothers who want to provide their children with a positive role model of independence and self-sufficiency is something we at the Wellness Centre are very proud to be a part of.”
Speaking at the orientation, Rolston Anglin, Minister for Education, Training and Employment, urged each woman not to do this course for their children, but to do it for themselves.
“The programme is successful because of its participants! Each of you is here to take a risk to change and seemingly provide a change for your kids,” Mr. Anglin said. “We look forward to what you will achieve through this programme.”
For more information about Passport2Success as well as application forms and dates for the start of the next programme, visit www.passport2success.ky
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