Jerome Henry and Jason Mitcham honoured as role models

By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE National Youth Skills Training Programme, during its graduation ceremony held on December 3, honoured two of its most outstanding students for their exceptional performances in the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Course.

Jerome Henry and Jason Mitcham, both from Bourryeau Village, were recognised as two role models of the programme and have demonstrated their interest through regular attendance and a mature understanding of the purpose of the training.

The awards, sponsored by The Cable, acknowledged the two participants upon successful completion of the skills training course.

Facilitator at the institution Gloria Mills noted that the two 16-year-olds embody personal management, healthy interpersonal relationship and successful vocational development skills, and stressed that they should be commended for their diligence.

“Many persons quickly talk about the negative things that youth are doing and they sometimes fail to recognise the many positive strides that youth are undertaking to create a better atmosphere for them. There are a lot of influences of peer pressure, and when their friends opted to be elsewhere doing other things they stayed in class and were committed and cooperative.   ~~Adz:Right~~

“We are hoping that their behaviour would be a model to other young people. If others see that these young men are being recognised for their outstanding performance, it can be a shining light for them. Positive thinking and positive choices may become contagious. Young people who are trying to steer their lives on a positive course do not enjoy the negative things that are said about youth, so others may be willing to gravitate toward this positive trend.”

Henry, who emerged as the Most Outstanding Trainee in the technical component of the course, said, “I feel good to know that I can achieve this. At first, I was not too sure if I would be able to do well in this class. I was very doubtful, because I never knew anything about fixing air condition units. But now I feel like a king, because I have done well and I know that my parents and my community are proud of me.”

Mitchell noted that being the recipient of the award gives him a very good feeling and reassures him that there is still hope to live for something amidst the many social ills that young men are associated with. 

Mitchell added that he was often told by many that he may not amount to anything, but stressed that this award has given him a reason to disapprove their doubts.

The two young men said they are now prepared to move onto a higher level of skills training in order to enhance their academic and social status.