ARTICLE - 120 NEW GRADUATES IN GONAIVES

120 YOUNG NEW GRADUATES IN GONAIVES
(Haiti Libre) -

Friday, May 25, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mariano Fernández Amunátegui, proceeded to the graduation of 120 students, who received vocational training funded by the Community Violence Reduction Section (CVR) of the Minustah to the tune of about 200,000 U.S. dollars.

In his speech for the occasion, Mariano Fernandez stressed, "Although they account for almost half of the population, many young people do not have access to vocational training for economic reasons [...] Left to their own they are vulnerable," recalling that the training, initiated for youth living in vulnerable neighborhoods and displaced persons after January 12, 2010, is designed to offer recipients the opportunity to learn a trade, and thus participate in the life of their community.

120 young people including 33 young women (of which one is in auto mechanics and 5 in plumbing), come from vulnerable neighborhoods of Gonaïves and its surroundings, such Raboteau, Décahos/Trou Sable, Praville et K-Soleil. During 24 weeks they received theoretical and practical courses in six disciplines: auto mechanics, building electricity, masonry, plumbing, carpentry, and home economics. They were instructed at the Complexe de Formation Professionnelle de Poteau (COFOPROP), an implementing partner of the project. In addition to these technical disciplines, young people have acquired some knowledge on development and self-perception, civic education, entrepreneurship and management, leadership and conflict resolution.

The Special Representative sent a message of encouragement with these words: "You are the symbol of hope, the future of Haiti. Indeed without you, there is no future. Rest assured, the Minustah will continue to support you."

Nahomme Dorvil, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Artibonite and sponsor of the promotion, welcomed their professional commitments. "By choosing vocational training, you said no to violence."

Now, armed with their diplomas and work kits offered by the RVC section, these young people of the promotion "Espoir" (Hope), are willing to engage in the job search. Some have even begun to improve their knowledge, by joining seniors.