The Youth Development Division hosted a Youth Skills Training Programme Open Day aimed at showcasing the skills of the seventy-one young people currently participating in the four month programme.
The open day was hosted on Thursday, January 13 2022 with exhibitions held in Roseau, Layou, Portsmouth, Wesley, Marigot, Grand Bay and at the Dominica State Prison.
The participants were enrolled in nine training programmes including computer literacy, auto mechanics, hospitality arts, stone wall construction, and building maintenance.
Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Youth at Risk, Gender Affair, Seniors’ Security and Dominicans with Disabilities and Parliamentary Representative for the St. Joseph Constituency, Hon. Dr. Adis King said that these programmes are impacting the trainees in different areas.
“I am very proud of this programme because it helps our young people develop their skills. It empowers them so that they can get a better job in the job market. We open it to our Dominicans with Disabilities so even they can get a skill that they can use in the job market, and we also open it to youth that we might have identified that might get themselves in some type of problem, and taking them of the path that they are and bringing them in the skills programme. We change the lives of these young people,” Dr. King stated.
The Minister also noted that Government remains committed to ensuring the continued development of the nation’s youth.
“So this is something that is very important for our young people in Dominica and i want us to continue to enhance it and make it even better. Young people, you have been given an opportunity to enhance your skill. I want you to take it seriously. This is just the beginning. Your Government’s commitment to the youth will remain steadfast,” the Youth Minister added.
Minister in the Ministry of Blue and Green Economy, Agriculture and National Food Security, Senator Hon Gregory Riviere stated that the Government of Dominica has created avenues in different sectors to benefit the youth.
“This is a very exciting time for youth. The Government has created countless opportunities for you to excel and maximize your full potential and we want you to take advantage of these opportunities. We have invested millions in the digital economy and that is for you especially those pursuing courses in computer literacy,” Hon. Riviere stated.
Hon. Riviere, who is also a former Youth Development Officer, added that Government would continue to provide resources to the Division in order that it continues impacting Dominica’s youth.
“Government will do all in its power to ensure that it provides the resources, both human and otherwise, to ensure that you are able to touch the lives of as many young people as possible. I am certainly convinced that as long as someone goes through the door of the Youth Development Division, there is a strong possibility of a positive youth transformation,” Hon. Riviere added.
Acting Chief Youth Development Officer, Ms. Caesarina Paul encouraged citizens to register for classes and use the opportunities available to them.
“I want to urge all of you to ensure that you maximize all of the opportunities that are made available for you. The best way you can thank us is to be successful with what we teach you and to sell what we have done for you to another young person so that they can come and benefit from what you have done,” Ms. Paul noted.