125 Youth Benefiting from Phase Two of Bluefields Association Computer Project

The second phase of the $1.6 million Bluefields Peoples’ Community Association Computer Project got underway recently with some 125 at risk youth from Eastern and Central Westmoreland benefiting from training in information and communication technologies (ICT). The project, which is being supported by local and international organizations, is being carried out under the theme: ‘Youth inclusion through information and communication technologies’ and involves youngsters, age 17 to 25 years, engaged in training for up to 10 weeks. Courses offered include fundamentals of computer/internet, word processing, excel, web design, digital media and presentation skills.
Chairman of the BPCA Project, Keith Wedderburn, told JIS News that the second phase of the project is going well and the young people are enthusiastic about the training.
He informed that the process was being finalized for the selection of another group consisting of some 48 youth “and the trials should begin later this week. Our plan is to liberate as many at-risk youth as possible from across this area of Westmoreland, who will in turn help to transform their communities and parish.”
Meanwhile, he noted that BPCA has forged alliances with private and public sector groups such as the HEART Trust/NTA and the Caribbean Information Technology (CIT) to ensure that the participating youth are transformed and prepared for the world of work.
In addition, he informed that plans are underway to have the young people placed on work experience at selected businesses such as post offices, libraries, supermarkets and fast food stores.