One hundred and twenty-seven Sophia Training Centre (STC) students graduated on Wednesday after successfully completing the 31st Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme (YEST) in a variety of disciplines.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), Social Cohesion Department’s Programme Coordinator, Sharon Patterson told the graduates that the completion of their course was a stepping stone to a better future.
“I am certain that many of you here today would be repeating this particular journey at some other stage of your life. I believe you will seek to move to higher levels in your respective fields of study,” Patterson said.
The Programme Coordinator urged the students to be willing to always learn and never turn away from opportunities that would serve to benefit them in the future.
Patterson said the Government has designed the programme to ensure it served as an effective avenue that instructed youths in self-development and as a result, the development of the country.
Valedictorian Lafia Yearwood advised her classmates to apply the knowledge and skills learnt during their training as they enter the world of business. She also encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.
Instructor Brian King thanked both the private and public organisations who provided tours and work-study opportunities for the students. These, he noted, allowed the students to gain valuable experience. He was optimistic that there would be continued collaboration with both private and public organisations.
YEST is a programme that offers youths between the ages of 16 and 25 training in cosmetology, information technology, masonry, carpentry, welding, and mechanical and other skills-training programmes.
Coordinator Sharon Patterson
