Tobago honours young participants for preparing for the world of work

Tobago’s youth programmes ended with certificates, awards and a message that completion should mark a beginning rather than an endpoint.

The Department of Youth Empowerment held a combined closing ceremony for its World of Work, Trade Trek and Hire-Ready programmes at its headquarters in Glen Road. Young participants, officials and stakeholders attended the event.

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Today is the end of one chapter, but the beginning of another. You would have taken the first step toward ensuring that you invest in yourselves and in this island’s future. I want you to appreciate the opportunity that you were given.

Secretary of Youth Empowerment and Sport Keigon Denoon urged participants to keep investing in themselves and Tobago’s future. “Today is the end of one chapter, but the beginning of another,” he said, adding that the Tobago House of Assembly would support initiatives and ventures that add value to the island.

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These programmes make a world of difference. They make a world of difference for the young people struggling to gain initial experience, which every employer needs, but so few of our young people are able to get.

Acting Chief Administrator Dianne Baker-Henry said the programmes give young people experience that employers often require but that many struggle to obtain. She called the initiatives “empowerment in action” and linked them to wider efforts to create opportunities for Tobago’s youth.

Director of Youth Empowerment McKacy-Prince Martin thanked participants for showing up, learning, growing and investing in themselves as the programmes closed.

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Most importantly, to our participants, thank you. Thank you for showing up, participating, learning, growing, absorbing and investing in you.