GENERATION NEXT is dedicated to empowering members of communities through training, recreation and developmental programmes to realise their potential to meaningfully contribute to society.

The administration of Generation Next is proud to fulfil its mission statement, having graduated 37 students at the sixth graduation ceremony on the 25th September 2015.

Generation Next is the education arm of the First Assembly of God Church.

The Generation Next graduation 2015 was an enthusiastic event for the class, as students were encouraged through a song, poem, and children playing bells. More so, they were inspired by Pastor Wilbert Lee, who addressed them.

Pastor Paul Benjamin gave special thanks to the senior pastor of the First Assembly of God church, Pastor Raphael Massiah, for his initiative, commitment and support over the years.

Pastor Benjamin also encouraged the volunteers and teachers of GENERATION NEXT, who imparted in the lives of the men and women, to continue being involved so that this generation would become agents of change.

Also, Melissa Franklin addressed the audience with the administrator’s report for the period January to July 2015. Mrs. Franklin highlighted that the Generation Next programmes commenced on February 2, 2015 after a brief period of advertisements. Nine out of the 14 skills-training courses were facilitated during this first half of 2015 — namely Cookery, Personal Computer Repairs, Floral Arrangements, Cosmetology, Cake Decoratin, Information Technology, Fabric Design, Wood-Working and Graphic Designs.

There was a total of 53 registrants across the various courses, with about 37 of them completing their selected courses.

Mrs Franklin also stated, as it relates to academics, that Generation Next has expanded its targeted age range (12 – 40 yrs.) to include four years to post-secondary students. Subjects taught included Numeracy and Literacy for both children and adults; Mathematics; English A; Chemistry; Physics; Principles of Accounts & Business; Social Studies; and Integrated Science.

Over the years, facilitators continue to give of their time and resources voluntarily, with much-admired dedication and commitment. Further, it was with gratitude that the administration welcomed 13 new facilitators. These persons are Maxwell Nurse, Ann Williams, Wondar Paul, Michael Forde, Alan Adams, Ashna Morris, Yolanda Charles, Tessa Fredericks, June Ann Lee, Yonelle Drakes, Carleen Small, Shaquille Baird, and Judy Williams.

In all, Mrs. Franklin noted that the administration, teachers and volunteers continue to rely on God’s direction as they go forward.

Albeit, Miss Jenell Pierre blessed the graduates’ hearts with a song; a poem was also done, and the First Assembly of God Children’s Choir performed a song by the ringing of bells.

Pastor Lee quoted Malcom X, Aristotle, and Benjamin Franklin, stating: “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today”; “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet”; and “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest,” respectively.

He continued to emphasise education, highlighting that education is a great equaliser for a number of reasons: (i) Education unlocks the door to the future. (ii) Education is the key for us to get ahead in life. (iii) With education, we are better off economically; and (iv) the more educated we become, the less likely we will be unemployed.