Port of Spain: Seven hundred and fifty-three (753) young persons are now better poised to become leaders and role models in communities across Trinidad and Tobago after graduating from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Cycle 1902 on Wednesday December 18, 2019.
Speaking at the Graduation Ceremony at the Centre of Excellence today, Minister of National Security the Honourable Stuart R. Young M.P. reiterated that the Ministry of National Security holds fast to the tenet that there must be investment in the nation’s youth and gave the assurance that the Ministry will continue to support the development of young people, through robust youth-centred programmes such as the CCC programme.
Minister Young commended the trainees for their hard work and successful completion of the programme. He reminded the graduates that they are the future of this nation and encouraged them to be positive influences in their respective communities across Trinidad and Tobago.
The Minister also took the opportunity to recognise the contribution of the CCC Programme Director, team supervisors, instructors and support staff and commended them for a job well done in preparing the young graduates for national service.
Also speaking at the event, Programme Director of the Civilian Conservation Corps Major David Benjamin described the CCC as the flagship youth intervention programme of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force’s civil military initiatives. He noted that the CCC uses its national network to help young persons achieve their goals by conducting training in hands-on skills to increase employability. Major Benjamin indicated that twenty-eight thousand, one hundred and seven (28,107) trainees have benefited from the CCC programme since inception, seventeen (17) years ago.
Graduates of Cycle 1902 described the programme as life-changing, stating that the training and practical activities assisted in boosting their self-esteem and drive to succeed.
The Ministry of National Security’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Programme is a nationwide programme, with Centres in eight (8) regions in Trinidad and Tobago. The programme, which is administered by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, is designed to train and develop young adults between the ages of 16 to 25 in order to prepare them for employment. The curriculum includes training in agriculture, culinary arts, air-conditioning and refrigeration repairs, electrical installation, plumbing, office procedures, cosmetology, computer literacy, child care, welding and civic responsibility.