Thursday’s report on National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) and volunteer organisation K1 Britannia to offer technical-vocational training for youngsters was encouraging. Creating prospects for the youth as the country continues to recover from arguably its worst natural disaster on record is essential to the long-term success of that effort in socioeconomic terms.
The “building back stronger” of St. Maarten requires skilled labourers and there just aren’t enough available on the island, so foreign workers keep coming in both legally and illegally. It may take a while before those now to be trained are ready, but the reconstruction process is an ongoing one that will last several more years.
Vocational education could also use a boost. While academic achievements are often understandably emphasised, the fields where most job opportunities probably will occur certainly during the period ahead are of a rather practical nature.
Involvement of Trinidad and Tobago’s MIC-IT adds to the programme’s credibility and will provide graduates with certificates that are recognised at the very least within the region. This can significantly enhance their chances to develop a career.
It’s been said before, but especially with the Miss Lalie Youth Care and Rehabilitation Centre in Cay Bay still closed, every school dropout and jobless youngster less can help prevent delinquency and other undesirable social ills. Such wars are usually won one battle at a time.
