NAB committed to continuous staff training

The National Assistance Board (NAB) remains committed to its workers’ well-being, their growth and development.

 

This was expressed by Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, the Hon. Steven Blackett, as he pointed out that programmes and services of NAB are not only geared towards its clients.

 

“Continuous and relevant training in areas such as Alzheimers, HIV/AIDS and Health and Safety issues ensures that the agency has a cadre of workers who are equipped not only to deal with the changing needs and behaviours of elderly recipients but that 

they also acquire skills and knowledge which positively impact their personal development,” he indicated during NAB’s 36th anniversary service.

 

Recognising that the agency has an ageing working workforce, and in keeping with the recommendation by the National Policy on Ageing that “the economic security provisions for older persons must include greater self-reliance and better preparation for retirement”, selected workers from across NAB have benefitted from a ten week training in Retirement Planning that began in June and ended in August of this year.

 

Blackett said that the training was holistic in its approach and focused not only on the financial aspect but on the mental and physical components as well.

 

“The National Policy on Ageing examines the status of older persons with a view of removing over the next ten years existing barriers in critical areas that may hinder the participation of older persons in mainstream society,” he explained, also revealing that a special committee has been established and mandated to monitor the implementation of policy based on the recommendations contained within the document.

 

“Crucial issues identified include elder abuse, poor intergenerational relations, and social exclusion in areas of health, finance and housing and gaps and shortcomings in the legislation,” Minister Blackett highlighted.

 

“The removal of these barriers to facilitate social inclusion and the creation of an enabling environment for older persons goes beyond imagining a society for all ages to the reshaping of society so as to embrace the principles of equal access, equal 

opportunity and inclusion for all age groups including the elderly. This will require raising awareness at the individual, family, community and national level.” (TL)