Open Day a hit at Girls’ Industrial Union

OPEN Day at the Girls’ Industrial Union recently was a big hit with participants enrolled in the different classes. 

 

Since its opening from 1912 to present, the Girls’ Industrial Union offers a wide variety of classes, for those interested in learning different and beneficial skills for future use; skills which can assist in employment and boost entrepreneurship. 

 

Participants from the different classes proudly displayed their various products. There was a lot to see, taste and admire. From beautiful paint work, to colourful and vibrant floral arrangements, beautifully crafted jewellery, tailor-made clothing, fabulous nail arts and nail designs, beautiful cushions and footstools, to tasty and artistically decorated cakes and pastries. 

 

Monica Brathwaite, Supervisor and Dressmaker at the Girls’ Industrial School, told The Barbados Advocate, “Open Day at the Girls’ Industrial Union has been going on since 1937 to now. Three times a year we have an open day here. The purpose of the different classes is to give persons a little talent that they can use to help themselves.” 

 

She noted, “Persons gain a lot of beneficial skills, which they can use for future development and employment. It is a good and positive initiative for persons who enrol in the different classes, because there is always room for growth and development business wise.”

 

Elizabeth Callender, one of the students enrolled in the Beginners’ Cake Icing class, told The Barbados Advocate, “I learnt how to flat ice a cake and make roses and decorations. It was not easy, but at the end I am proud because now I can ice and decorate a cake. 

 

I would recommend persons looking to open their own businesses to take the chance and enrol in the classes, because they can learn beneficial skills which can assist them.

 

“For me personally, I did it for personal use and future reference.” 

 

Troy Ferdinand, a repeat student, noted: “The class was fulfilling. According to my daughter, I was probably going through a mid-life crisis, so it served its purpose. It helped me at that point of time with what I was going through.”

 

“The class was fun and I enjoyed doing it,” Ferdinand added.