THE New Opportunity Corps (NOC) recently marked a significant milestone with the graduation of thirty-seven young individuals from its Juvenile and Community Skills Training Programme 2024.
The ceremony, held at the NOC Recreational Centre, celebrated the successful completion of an intensive four-week training course that commenced on July 8, 2024.

The programme, running from Monday to Thursday each week, was designed to equip participants with practical skills and a sense of purpose, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Throughout the four-week period, the students were trained in a variety of disciplines under the guidance of expert instructors. The training included catering, sewing, joinery, motor mechanics, electrical installation, information technology, and remedial mathematics, ensuring that each participant left with a comprehensive and diverse skill set.

Catering was taught by Ms. Cort, who guided eleven students, while sewing was led by Ms. Gilgious. Four students received specialised training in joinery from Mr. Joseph, and seven students each were trained in motor mechanics and electrical installation under the instruction of Mr. Prashad. Additionally, all participants benefitted from information technology and remedial mathematics training provided by Ms. Boyce and Mr. Butters, respectively.

The graduation ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including the Director of the Juvenile Justice Department, Ms. Joanann Edghill-Stuart, who delivered a heartfelt address to the graduates. Other notable attendees included Senior Training Officer, Mr. Joseph Isaacs; Principal Personnel Officer, Mrs. Eureka Duncan; Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee, Ms. Riza Khan; Deputy Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee, Ms. Nafeeza Rodrigues, and member of the Juvenile Justice Committee, Ms. Shellon Boyce. The presence of those key figures, along with special invitees and staff members of the NOC, underscored the community’s strong support for the programme and its graduates.
In her speech, Ms. Edghill-Stuart emphasised the broader impact of the programme beyond skills acquisition, highlighting its role in fostering a sense of belonging, purpose, and potential among the participants. She expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills gained, along with the relationships formed during the training, would remain with the graduates for years to come.

Ms. Edghill-Stuart encouraged the graduates to view challenges as opportunities for growth and assured them of the community’s unwavering support, stating, “You have the power to shape your future, and we are here cheering you all the way.”
The ceremony was a testament to the New Opportunity Corps’ commitment to not only providing practical training but also fostering a sense of community and personal development. The graduates’ achievements highlighted the programme’s success in preparing young individuals for their future endeavours, providing them with the tools and confidence to navigate their paths ahead.

As the 2024 graduates move forward, the experiences and lessons from the Juvenile and Community Skills Training Programme will serve as a strong foundation for their future success. The NOC, through this programme, has once again demonstrated its dedication to nurturing the potential of youth and contributing to the development of a skilled and empowered community.