March 23, 2016: On March 21, 2016 the Honourable Darryl Smith, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, advised graduates ‘to keep things simple and to set short term goals’. He was speaking at the graduation ceremony of Persto Praesto and Chatham Youth Apprenticeship and Development Centres, at the Naparima Bowl, San Fernando.
Fifty eight trainees graduated from this scholarship programme in the fields of Auto Mechanics, Welding, Carpentry, Computer Repairs, Electrical Installation, Masonry, and Plumbing.
The Honourable Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs was there to present certificates, along with Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Joan Mendez, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary for Youth Affairs, Mrs. Denise Arneaud, Acting Director of Youth Affairs, Ms. Patricia Hinds and Mr. Julian Layne, Camp Director II and Mr. Stephen Barrat, Assistant Camp Director of the Persto Praesto and Chatham YDACs.
Special Awards were presented in the fields of Sports, Culture, Drill Training, A Ganar Programme, Most Discipline, Best Dorm Leader, Most Helpful Trainee, Most Improved Trainee, Consumer Co-operative, School Leaving and Camp Directors’ Award. Messrs Kalie Jerome Moses and Peter Joseph from Persto Praesto and Chatham Youth Apprenticeship Centres respectively, received the most prestigious Camp Director Award.
The Youth Development and Apprenticeship Centres provide a unique opportunity to facilitate ‘at risk’ youth between the ages of 15 – 18 years.
In over fifty years of existence, the Youth Camps, now called Youth Development and Apprenticeship Centres have aided in moulding some of the nation’s youth by providing an opportunity for a second chance to change their lifestyle. According to Valedictorian, Kalie Jerome Moses of the Persto Praesto Youth Camp, the two year journey was instrumental in reshaping their characters. Apart from their chosen trades, the boys were taught discipline through adapting to camp life, they learnt the value of hard work and responsibility, they were exposed to physical training and they were taught the importance of spirituality. Kalie emphasised, through this experience the boys learnt to be their brothers’ keeper.
Recalling his similar experience at the College of St. Rose, Albany, New York where he was afforded a scholarship, the Sport and Youth Affairs Minister shared with the graduates what he encountered at this new environment. As he recounted his college experience, he stated, being in a new place alone with no relatives, helped him to develop a disciplined lifestyle. He learnt how to save money, to manage time, to stay focus and to keep in mind his purpose for being there.
The Minister also highlighted in his address that the word ‘brotherhood’ was used fifteen times by the valedictorians and this resonated with him. The point of keeping and building relationships was also reiterated by the Honourable Minister.
Minister Smith also advised them to be happy and calm, take care of their bodies, save money, keep in touch with their teachers and friends, get their drivers’ permits and passports, learn their country, travel the world and learn different cultures to help broaden their minds. Additionally, the Minister encouraged the graduates to network, set benchmarks and to respect and honour their parents.
He urged the boys to never stop learning and to continue to aspire to greatness.
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For further information please contact:
The Corporate Communications Unit
Ministry of Sport of Youth Affairs
868-625-5622 ext. 5040