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Lamp association ‘Earn While You Learn’ project: 40 youths get vocational training |26 January 2015

 

 

Forty young persons have been awarded certificates after successfully ending a one-year vocational training programme as part of the ‘Earn While You Learn’ project.

Among the forty, Joshua Baptiste and Tina Zialor came out as best students.

The programme, which as its name suggests consists of internships in various businesses, was initiated one year ago by a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) known as Lamp (Light Amidst My Path). Lamp has as mission to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency and turn the youths into responsible and productive citizens through partnerships with families, schools, law enforcement agencies and the general community.

The main aim of the ‘Learn While You Learn’ project which is sponsored by Barclays Bank is to provide unemployed or underemployed youth with vocational training and skills so as to reduce the level of juvenile delinquency and stimulate economic development in local communities.

Its other partners include the Adult Learning and Distance Education Centre (Aldec), Computing and Adult Learning Centre, Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT), Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC), Seychelles Breweries Ltd., Dr Chetty’s Clinic, FoodPro and Wood Working Workshop.

During their internship, the students were trained in motor mechanic, carpentry and Information Technology. Their training also included a camp at Val d’Andorre where they benefitted from arts workshops which have permitted them to sing, write poems and produce other art forms.

Some of the certificate recipients have already secured permanent jobs as a result of the project and two are even preparing to launch their own small business soon. Among them, Colette Pillay who served as master of ceremony (MC) for the certificate presentation ceremony at the Seychelles Trading Company (STC) conference room on Saturday afternoon, hopes to shortly start her own small public relations (PR) firm.

Lamp’s chairperson Lucianne Sophola has thanked Barclays Bank, parents and tutors for the support provided to the young persons.

She highlighted some of the outcomes of the project which are a positive behavioural change in the beneficiaries, development of social and life skills as well as a higher level of self esteem.

Happy to see that Lamp has made good use of Barclay’s support, the Bank’s head of marketing and corporate relations Coleen Morel expressed her appreciation that the project has produced very good results and enlightened the youth.

She added that the training has not only given them the necessary skills but has also provided them with determination to succeed in life.

She observed it was evident that they have moved to a next level. She consequently called on them to bring their skills and positive attitude to their place of work. Jules Hoareau, the chairperson of the Civil Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps) which regroups Seychelles’ NGOs, has commented that the Barclays/Lamp partnership shows the excellent relationship which can exist between businesses and the civil society for benefit the community.

He told the certificate awardees that the ened of their training was just the beginning and that they should now hold on tight to what they have learned.

“You are the ones who hold this new beginning of a new life which offers new opportunities. The new beginning will be filled with challenges. I am however sure that the training sessions you have followed will permit you to overcome those challenges,” he said.

Mr Hoareau hopes that Barclays’ example, which has brought a difference in the lives of forty young people, will be followed by other businesses.

 

 

 

 

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