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Vocational skills training assists children at risk
By Teresa Lee on 14 Aug 2007
Since May 2007, 49 students have been involved in a vocational skills training programme designed to help reintegrate socially vulnerable youth back into their communities.
Students enrolled into the programme are youth who have been in conflict with the law, or living and working on the streets with unstable living conditions.
The 6-month programme offers courses in carpentry and electronic skills, alongside character-building training, recreational activities and peace clubs. World Vision also conducts similar activities for juvenile justice offenders in prison.
"I really enjoy this programme because as a child I did not continue my studies in school but this programme offers me the opportunity to learn," said an electronics student. "Every day I attend the training because it broadens my thinking and helps me to prepare myself for the future."
After 3 months of training, students of the electronics stream have basic skills in repairing televisions, radios, tape recorders and DVD players. Carpentry students have learnt how to make household furniture such as tables and chairs.
"The programme is not only helping to equip children at risk with vocational skills, but it is also helping to change their behaviours and attitudes," said Jacob Calar, Project Co-ordinator. "Through the character-building and spiritual nurture sessions, we give children the opportunity to reflect on their objectives in life and their attitudes. We have seen students begin to show more respect to each other over the last few months, through simple things such as manners and greeting staff members."
World Vision signed a joint Project Co-operation Agreement with UNICEF, the Department of Social Services and the Ministry of Justice earlier this year to work closely together in the implementation of the project.
Alongside the Department of Social Services, World Vision staff assist in the case management of each child enrolled in the vocational programme through home visits and reintegration assistance. Contact has already been made with the Ministry of Education to help with reintegrating 22 students back into the formal schooling system in September after the completion of their training course.
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