Portsmouth-based non profit organization celebrates 20 years

Students of CALLS' Hospitality Fish Cooking Class
Students of CALLS’ Hospitality Fish Cooking Class

The Centre Where Adolescents Learn to Love and Serve (CALLS) will host a one week program of activities as part of it 20th Anniversary under the theme: “Character and Efficiency: Our Heritage, Our Future and Our Bond”.

CALLS is based in Portsmouth and is a registered non-government and not-for-profit organization.

It came into existence on April 19 1995.

CALLS operates an Early Childhood Development Centre, a Craft and Woodworking Outlet, a Laundry, a Cosmetology service and a farm at the One Mile Agricultural Station which provides skills training opportunities for the young persons from various parts of the island from ages 16 to 22.

CALLS tutor, Ashton Riviere told Dominica News Online on Friday that from inception the institution has graduated 377 young persons from a two-year program being offered and many have opened their own businesses.

On July 3, 2014, 22 students graduated from the program.

“So far 377 young persons have graduated from that program and quite a few of the students have opened their own businesses,” Riviere said.

Additionally many graduates have been employed within the Portsmouth community, he noted.

Riviere said the Portsmouth Beach Hotel, M&R Trading, Ross University School of Medicine are among businesses located in Portsmouth which help provide internship for the students.

According to him, one of the courses mandatory at CALLS is small business and customer service, “So that anytime they leave CALLS they have some idea on what it takes to operate their own business and also what it takes to work in the service industry.”

“If they open their own business their customer service skills will help them in ensuring the success of their business,” Riviere pointed out.

CALLS is now offering Caribbean Certificate of Secondary School Learning (CCSLC) courses in English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, French and Social Studies and expects by 2015 to offer Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) courses.

Activities for the week of celebration will begin on October 13, 2014 with an Official Opening Ceremony and launch of a commemorative 20th Anniversary Magazine at the CALLS Centre in Portsmouth.

This will be followed by a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated on October 16 from 9am by Bishop of Roseau, Most Reverend Gabriel Malzaire as Presider and Homilist, and will close on October 17 from 9:30 am.

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9 Comments

  1. Proud
    October 12, 2014

    Congratulations calls. I know that you have saved the lives of many young people. Gods blessings and continue the good work.

    My only wish is that more young people in the Portsmouth area should take advantage of this great institution.

  2. Jaime Lewis
    October 10, 2014

    Congratulations to the staff and graduates of the program. An investment in our youth is one worth recognizing, because they are our future. Best wishes.

  3. The Facts
    October 10, 2014

    DNO: I forgot to provide my name, etc. Too eager to send the information. It is Friday evening which was, a busy week. :lol: I am re-sending it. Please disregard one. Thank you!

    People helping people or better yet, nationals helping nationals.
    CALLS, you are a blessing to those whom you have tutored, who graduated, some of whom now own their enterprise and others who are employed in the community. You have helped them all.
    It is noted that you are also grateful to our God who has helped you achieved this milestone in helping others.
    As Our Lord said, “In all things (no matter what the circumstances) give God due thanks and praise.” You cannot go wrong thanking God and being appreciative for his blessings that He showered on your effort and enthusiasm and those who benefited from them. I wish you continued progress and success.
    God is pleased with your effort of assisting your community, Dominica on the whole. His blessing to you on your 20th anniversary with many more years to come

  4. Anonymous
    October 10, 2014

    People helping people or better yet, nationals helping nationals.
    CALLS, you are a blessing to those whom you have tutored, who graduated, some of whom now own their enterprise and others who are employed in the community. You have helped them all.
    It is noted that you are also grateful to our God who has helped you achieved this milestone in helping others.
    As Our Lord said, “In all things (no matter what the circumstances) give God due thanks and praise.” You cannot go wrong thanking God and being appreciative for his blessings that He showered on your effort and enthusiasm and those who benefited from them.
    I wish you continued progress and success.
    God is pleased with your effort of assisting your community, Dominica on the whole. His blessing to you on your 20th anniversary with many more years to come.

  5. October 10, 2014

    Congratulations on your anniversary, your dedicated service towards the development of the youth is excellent.

  6. Citizen Kane
    October 10, 2014

    The epitome of selfless service to the community. Congratulations to Mrs. Olivia Douglas and her team!

  7. Righteous
    October 10, 2014

    Thank you CALLS for providing an opportunity for our youth. Hats off to the businesses who hire these young men and women after completion of their programs.

    One Love Dominicans!!!

  8. justice
    October 10, 2014

    Congratulations! And thank you for the job you do. I am a member of a non profit organization myself and I call tell you how great it feels when you help others.

  9. Royal
    October 10, 2014

    CALLS a humble organization is dedicated to Youth Development. The institution has definitely impacted many communities and the country on a whole.

    Heartfelt Congratulations go out to CALLS and its management.

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