BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Monday, October 29th, 2012 - His t-shirt proclaimed him to be a “WINNER”, when we met to conduct his interview. It was an apt description of the quiet, hard-working, well-mannered young man for whom I have tremendous respect. At the end of the conversation, I mused that there was so much more to this youth being a winner, than the proclamation on his shirt.
Eighteen year old Elco Hendrickson resides in the community of Lodge. Although he shares yard space with his grandfather, Elco lives on his own.
Elco is a very enthusiastic and motivated individual who began the A Ganar program while attending the Cayon High School in 2010. He was able to complete his secondary education and graduate from that institution.
Since completing the A Ganar program, Elco has been able to find full time employment at two establishments. His initial stint was as a Maintenance worker at Ottley’s Plantation. However due to increasing allergies within the environment, he left this job. Today he works as a full time employee as a Cashier for Black Rock Pub.
Elco explained that his favourite memory of the A Ganar program was an interactive session done with A Ganar participants from Her Majesty’s Prison. During the interaction the prisoners shared their experiences of prison life with the youth and urged them to keep out of prison. Elco assures us that this particular activity helped him to focus on the more positive things in life and inspired him to achieve.
“Discipline was my favourite skill from Phase 1 of the program because it is something that carries you through life and once you are disciplined people would see you and want to be like you.” Although discipline was his favourite, he also alluded to his appreciation of another core skill – communication. According to Elco, when one develops this skill of communication then one can always develop a good relationship with his/her boss.
During Phase 2 of the A Ganar program, Elco was exposed to training in food preparation. He believes the training enhanced his culinary skills. As a direct consequence, Elco has honed his cake baking skills and he has been able to develop a reputation for exceptional marble cakes amongst his villagers, who periodically place orders with him for the said cakes. This helps him to be able to supplement his income.
“A Ganar is a program that helps young people to see clearly that they can achieve.” This very inspiring young man had the following words of wisdom to share with other youth.
· “Recognise your skill and work on it. Do not give up on your skills.”
· “ Develop faith and confidence in yourself”
· “Keep demonstrating interest to prospective employers. Keep trying to find jobs”
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
