By Elvin Carl Croker
TEN disabled youths embarked on a new course of study on Friday when the public health ministry launched the Quality Care Programme for differently-abled adults at the Open Doors Vocational Centre in Sophia.

The batch, which consists of six females, will be trained in beauty care and barbering.
Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence was happy that men have enrolled in the programme.

“I am very happy that we have been able to break that glass ceiling and let people know that beauty is gender neutral also,” she said.

The minister reminded the audience that years ago, the differently-abled were not spoken of, nor seen in the community. She said persons were scared to bring their families into the open because of the stigma and discrimination. Today, she said, the ministry has recognised that persons with disability can contribute to society.
In this regard, the minister noted that the launch is also addressing the social determinants of health.

“With Sophia being a developing community, opening the centre and offering the courses go further than just offering some special courses to persons with disabilities; it sends a very strong message to the Sophia community,” she said.
She also noted that Sophia will be a developed community soon and the government has hope and confidence in the residents of Sophia.

The project is viewed as a sign of government investing in young people, and as such, the minister encouraged residents and students at the launch to continue building and embracing development in their community.

The simple ribbon-cutting ceremony was also attended by Junior Public Health Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings; Permanent Secretary, Colette Adams; and Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Services, Dr. Ariane Mangar.
The participants were encouraged to seek sponsorship by applying for a government grant from the Social Protection Ministry to start a business at the end of the training, since they would have acquired a skill.

The minister congratulated Dr Mangar and her team on the initiative to incorporate differently-abled persons in the beauty and cosmetology programme.
One of the participants, Althea Thomas, who is wheelchair-bound, explained that she will be doing cosmetology learning to do hair, nails and makeups.  She said she has just finished a course and decided to sign up for this one.

“My dream is to own a business and motivate myself; get multiple certificates, so that I can be able to get any job anywhere because I wouldn’t limit myself. I am always up to the challenge, I don’t take no for an answer,” the young lady said.
The programme is full time and provides training for persons between the ages 16-41 years.

The vocational centre falls within the umbrella of the Disability and Rehabilitation Services Programme within the Ministry of Public Health.
The two trainers, Denise Morthly and Tracy Marshall, have over 25 years teaching cosmetology, personal hygiene, shampooing, manicure, pedicure, facials, nails and others.
Attendants toured the well-equipped facility after the official ceremony.