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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
The Fresh Start Programme was officially launched on Thursday at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute where 60 participants were addressed by the Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville along with the Director of Youth, Mr. Darren Turnquest and the Coordinator of Youth Programmes at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mrs. Carla Brown Roker. Shown are the participants with Minister Darville, Mr. Turnquest and Mrs. Brown Roker. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)
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FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - Some 60 participants in the Government's Fresh Start programme were told on Thursday that "Failure is not an option" by Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville during the opening session at Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.
Minister Darville told the participants of his personal story of having come from very humble beginnings, but used the opportunities presented and was educated through scholarships.
"This 15 week-employment skills programme is geared toward you, the youth of our country, and is designed to equip you with the skills and experiences that are necessary to successfully find and retain a sustainable job. As most of you are aware, unemployment is very high among young people and finding a job is not always easy, especially when an individual lacks the basic qualifications and experience that employees are looking for.
"Franklin D. Roosevelt, former President of The United States once said, 'we cannot always build a future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.' The government of The Bahamas recognises this important need and is therefore providing you 60 participants a second chance to receive the training, the tools and experiences necessary so that you will develop personally, professionally and as a result you will be able to function successfully in the workplace."
The Minister further stated that the programme is an opportunity and they should they should use their experiences and where they have come from as stepping stones to become productive citizens of the country.
Using a few of the previous graduates from the programme as examples, he said they now hold positions in places such as Atlantis, Memories, Four Seasons Resort and other very successful companies.
Even though life may not be easy and there are seasons of disappointments, it is how they deal with failure and their ability persevere that will determine their success.
"By enrolling in this programme, you are taking the first step on your road to new opportunities. However, like on any road, you may encounter obstacles, potholes, speed bumps and things that may possibly slow you down or hinder your progress for a moment. Use these to help you to identify your weak areas and to better yourselves. Remember that you cannot give up and failure is not an option! Set your mind, soul and heart upon doing everything necessary to complete this programme and to become your best."
The Minister added, "You must make no excuses. You must also be willing to make personal sacrifices and prioritize. Determine what it will take to become the best and make daily choices to stay on the narrow road. Make the right choices about your time management and your friends. From this point on, you must have people around you who will help you to achieve your goals. Proverbs 13:20 warns us all, 'Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.' Do not spend time with persons who participate in illegal, immoral and foolish activity. This will lead you into the wide road that will carry you far away from fulfilling your goals. Determine to be an individual of both value and success.
"Finally, young people, today you have an opportunity to start afresh. This means that you have the ability to do something new, uncommon and out of the ordinary. You have the chance to open new doors, attract different people and revolutionize your life. You can do it."
Also present was the Director of Youth, Darren Turnquest and the Coordinator of Youth Programmes at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mrs. Carla Brown.
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - Some 60 participants in the Government's Fresh Start programme were told on Thursday that "Failure is not an option" by Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville during the opening session at Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.
Minister Darville told the participants of his personal story of having come from very humble beginnings, but used the opportunities presented and was educated through scholarships.
"This 15 week-employment skills programme is geared toward you, the youth of our country, and is designed to equip you with the skills and experiences that are necessary to successfully find and retain a sustainable job. As most of you are aware, unemployment is very high among young people and finding a job is not always easy, especially when an individual lacks the basic qualifications and experience that employees are looking for.
"Franklin D. Roosevelt, former President of The United States once said, 'we cannot always build a future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.' The government of The Bahamas recognises this important need and is therefore providing you 60 participants a second chance to receive the training, the tools and experiences necessary so that you will develop personally, professionally and as a result you will be able to function successfully in the workplace."
The Minister further stated that the programme is an opportunity and they should they should use their experiences and where they have come from as stepping stones to become productive citizens of the country.
Using a few of the previous graduates from the programme as examples, he said they now hold positions in places such as Atlantis, Memories, Four Seasons Resort and other very successful companies.
Even though life may not be easy and there are seasons of disappointments, it is how they deal with failure and their ability persevere that will determine their success.
"By enrolling in this programme, you are taking the first step on your road to new opportunities. However, like on any road, you may encounter obstacles, potholes, speed bumps and things that may possibly slow you down or hinder your progress for a moment. Use these to help you to identify your weak areas and to better yourselves. Remember that you cannot give up and failure is not an option! Set your mind, soul and heart upon doing everything necessary to complete this programme and to become your best."
The Minister added, "You must make no excuses. You must also be willing to make personal sacrifices and prioritize. Determine what it will take to become the best and make daily choices to stay on the narrow road. Make the right choices about your time management and your friends. From this point on, you must have people around you who will help you to achieve your goals. Proverbs 13:20 warns us all, 'Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.' Do not spend time with persons who participate in illegal, immoral and foolish activity. This will lead you into the wide road that will carry you far away from fulfilling your goals. Determine to be an individual of both value and success.
"Finally, young people, today you have an opportunity to start afresh. This means that you have the ability to do something new, uncommon and out of the ordinary. You have the chance to open new doors, attract different people and revolutionize your life. You can do it."
Also present was the Director of Youth, Darren Turnquest and the Coordinator of Youth Programmes at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mrs. Carla Brown.
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