A Ganar Barbados a success!

A Ganar has beena life-changing experience for Barbadian youth.

 

This youth workforce development programme was one of the highlights of the Skills of the Future Programme, executed by the Ministry of Education and financed by Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

 

By utilising soccer and other team sports to help youth ages 16-24find jobs, learn entrepreneurial skills, or re-enter the formal education system, A Ganar combats the serious problem of youth unemployment.

 

Education Lead Specialist at the IDB, Dr. Sabine Rieble – Aubourg reported on the success of the programme during the Skills of the Future Summit held recentlyat Sandals Royal Barbados

 

Some 1280 young persons participated in the programme which was implemented in nine secondary schools, two post-secondary institu-tions, as well as the government industrial schools.

“The A Ganar Programme helped many of these students to return to school and to complete the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate or allowed them to continue with their education at the post-secondary level; or some of them found work or created a business. It is remarkable because without the programme many of these participants would have been left behind and would not have had these opportunities.”

 

Working closely with the A Ganar programme, the IDB official said that she observed a lot of hidden talent in the schools across Barbados.

 

“This talent needs a way to express itself and there have to be opportunities that young people can show what they want and what they like and what they are good at – and the A Ganar Program did that.”

 

“All of these young people were trained and most importantly received the opportunity to gain some real work experience because the business sector collaborated closely and provided internship and apprenticeship oppor-tunities,” she revealed, expressing appreciation to the businesses who collaborated and provided opportunities.

 

“I am very gratefulthat the US Agency for International Development (USAID) contributed to financing, and currently UNICEF continues to work with the Ministry of Education in six secondary schools so that the programme can continue.”

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000