BEYOND THE ORDINARY – Stella Maris Foundation Skills Training Graduation Ceremony 2011

140 READY for the WORLD

The Stella Maris Foundation, once again demonstrated why it remains an indispensable fixture in the community development landscape. On Sunday, July 10 at 3:30pm, over one hundred and forty (140) participants in Data Operations and Early Childhood Education training were named graduates of the Foundation’s six-month course, in partnership with the HEART Trust NTA. While the entire contingent of graduates were not all in attendance, the over sixty (60) who came, were immaculately clad in gowns, cap and sash, proudly marching down the aisles with grace and poise, prepared and groomed by the debonair Laurell DeMercado, who teaches Grooming and Etiquette at the Foundation. The exquisite décor, thanks to Kisha Bhoorasingh (Administrative Assistant at the Foundation) provided a fitting backdrop for an occasion that marked the culmination of dedication, commitment and sacrifice.

BEYOND THE ORDINARY

What made the ceremony unique was not just the fact that these are ambitious residents of Grants Pen and neighbouring environs; but that the profile of these graduates, defied traditional expectations of residents in these so-called marginalized communities. Among the graduates were Michael Barrett, from the Data Operations group, who is now enrolled at the University Hospital of the West Indies, where he is pursuing a one year Certificate Course in Pharmacy Technician – and he is one of many that have moved on to further studies, employment or business ownership. In her remarks, Chairman of the Stella Maris Foundation, the Honorable Beverley Lopez, also made note of previous graduates like Annastacia Bloomfield, who is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology at the University College of the Caribbean, while employed at the Stella Maris Foundation as Receptionist. She further noted that the Foundation celebrates the continuous development of clients and staff alike. Hence she registered her congratulations to Data Operations Instructor, Mr. Warvin Gordon, who recently graduated from the University College of the Caribbean with a BSc. in Information Technology. The Chairman also conveyed commendations to Early Childhood Education Instructor Ms. Mavis Gutherie who is pursuing further studies for Instructors at the Vocational Development Institute (VTDI). Member of Parliament and newly appointed Minister of Justice, the Honorable Delroy Chuck also lauded the Foundation for its continued well needed training of residents, numbering over seven hundred to-date, in the respective Skills. He congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to be good ambassadors for their community.

GENERATION 'Y'

But it was perhaps the guest speaker, Dr. Kadamawe A.H.N K’nIfe (Strategic Planning & Entrepreneurial Specialist/Lecturer, UWI) whose presentation connected with the out of the box thinking that the Foundation promotes. Dr. K’nIfe challenged graduates to use their newly gained skills and knowledge to solve problems facing their communities. He expounded upon the technological prowess of the generation, born after 1980 (Generation Y) and the fact that they are in a unique position to utilize technological tools and information to solve the problems that they face. He noted that for the Early Childhood Education Graduates, they can utilize Information Technology with the skills now gained to think of first class Early Childhood Centers for their communities. He further remarked that it is the computer and not the television set that should be the central household appliance. Dr. Kn’Ife challenged graduates that if they want their children to do well, then they as parents, must do well. Fittingly, Valedictorian, who spoke with the poise and confidence rivaling any University Graduate, echoed the Foundation’s impact on her outlook. She remarked, ‘… we must now not only think of looking for jobs, but creating jobs’. She lauded the exceptional levels of motivation received from the entire Stella Maris Foundation team and especially noted the inspiration under the leadership of General Manager, Omar Frith who frequently challenged them to aspire beyond typical expectations.

COLLABORATIVE

The Stella Maris Foundation Skills training programme presently coordinated by Damion Powell, is one of the many offerings of the Stella Maris Foundation, but has been its most successful. Students receive level one certification awarded by the National Council on Technical Vocational Education and training (NCTVET) after successfully completing six months of training. The Graduation Ceremony marks another milestone in the Stella Maris Foundation’s fourteen year history of implementing capacity building solutions that have significantly contributed to increased economic opportunities, improved family and social life and most importantly, reduction in opportunities for crime and violence.

We thank our many partners and donors, including Barco Limited and E.W Abrahams and Sons, who sponsored gift baskets for ‘Most Outstanding’ students. We also acknowledge key stakeholders in the Grants Pen community, including the Police who were represented by Inspector Carby and Sergeant E. Wesley of the Grants Pen Police, among the over two hundred guests in attendance at the Stella Maris Pastoral Centre.

Omar Frith

General Manager, Stella Maris Foundation