43 graduates of the A GANAR Program received certificates at the Fort Young Hotel on Wednesday morning.
The program was implemented in Dominica as a means of mitigating unemployment issues among the youth and to provide a positive avenue for them, President of Partners of the Americas Dominica, Hyacinth Ducreay, explained to Dominica News Online.
It was implemented by the Youth Development Division (Y.D.D) and the Centre Where Adolescents Learn to Love and Serve (C.A.L.L.S) on February 6, 2012.
Guest speaker Magistrate Gloria Augustus reminded the graduates that nothing in life comes easy. “Use your skills, embrace opportunities, discipline yourselves and continue swimming on to your goals,” she said.
Participants undergo training in various courses including child care, customer service representative, hospitality, electricity, numeracy and literacy.
According to implementing officer, Kelvin Benjamin, 50 persons were enrolled in the programme at the beginning. “52 percent of participants are gainfully employed while 18.5 percent are now pursuing higher education as a result of the AGNAR program,” he noted.
Participant, Gideon Corriette, says because of the programme, he has become a more responsible person. “What I experienced was much more than a skill. I have become a more responsible and dedicated person,” he said.
He urged other young people to step up and take up their role to better themselves and the society.
Great going!
That is very good news. A rather positive initiative;I must say.