The Family Affairs Division within the Ministry of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender affairs, Persons with Disabilities and Youth, held the Graduation ceremony for the 2019 'Home Help for the Elderly' Training Program on Friday, October 11th, 2019.
The ceremony took place at Kingstown Methodist Church Hall and was chaired by Communications and Marketing Officer in the Ministry, Mr. Philcol Jeffers.
Among those attending the ceremony were Hon. Federick Stephenson, Minister of National Mobilisation; Ms. Claudette Pierre, Director Of Social Protection; Mrs. Girlyn Miguel, former Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; and Ms. Pat Allen, Facilitator of the training.
Opening remarks were given by Ms. Claudette Pierre, Director Of Social Protection while Mrs. Girlyn Miguel gave a brief history of the program. Ms. Pat Allen gave the training report, Pastor Brent St. Jean was the guest speaker, while Hon. Federick Stephenson, Minister of National Mobilisation, was the featured speaker.
The training was described as intense and focused on two main areas: theoretical and practical. It was noted that specific training is required and was given to the 'Home Helpers Program'. It was emphasized that one must be humble, hardworking, love people and love the elderly to be effective in care giving to the elderly.
Participants were exposed to hands-on training as they were placed in institutions such the Lewis Punnett Home to help develop skills in an institutional setting.
The duration of training was from Monday, 15th July to Friday, 9th August, 2019.
Valedictorian speech was delivered by Stacia Roberts.
Graduating Class of 2019
| Lisa Alexander |
| Marcia Audain |
| Moreta Arrington |
| Kessera Browne |
| Roxanne Barbour |
| Marisha Charles |
| Tonya Charles |
| Lezlyn Daize |
| Natalie Dalzel |
| Hannah Federick |
| Jud Sonia Bulse-Francis |
| Roxanne Ferdinand |
| Natasha Ollivierre-Guy |
| Roumelia Garrick |
| Sophia Grant |
| Totell Glasgow |
| Tanisha Harry |
| Ingrid Snagg-Hepburn |
| Pearl Hooper |
| Wilma John |
| Maude Nash |
| Shayle Neil |
| Sylnett Phillips |
| Cindy Richards |
| Lakeitha Richards |
| Cherese Roache |
| Jozel Robertson |
| Stacia Roberts |
| Naomi Rodriques |
| Cyrilene Kydd-Scott |
| Amanda Solomon |
| Mishka Toby |
| Tashica Wilkins |
| Shannette Williams |
The top five performers were also recognized:
First place - Stacia Roberts
Second place (tie) - Jozel Robertson and Shayle Neil
Fourth place - Hannah Federick
Fifth place - Roxanne Barbour
Certificates were presented to the participants for successful completion of the training: one for the Home Helpers Course and one for the Sign Language course. There were various awards given for performances throughout the training course.
A skit was performed by the Social Protection Staff members and the graduating class also performed a special song for the audience.
Mrs. Leona Soleyn, Social Worker within the Ministry, gave the vote of thanks.
SOURCE: Information Technology Services Division (I.T.S.D)
