ARTICLE - VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR GIRLS

VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR 75 YOUNG GIRLS IN TROUBLE
(Haiti Libre) -

75 girls between the ages of 14 and 24 years, some who were victims of early pregnancies, or placed in domestic service, have benefited from a project to strengthen their social and economic rights.

This project, funded in part ($USD29,650) by the Section of Human Rights (SDH) of the MINUSTAH [UN High Commissioner for Human Rights] represents 80% of the costs. The rest is supported by the local partner in charge of the execution of the project, the association Solidarité Jeunesse Enfance (JES).

Aissetou Sanogo, Regional Coordinator of the SDH in Jacmel explained that this project helps to provide assistance to women victims "of early pregnancies, teenage girls out of school or not attending school, girls in domestic [...]" and give them "easier access to education, employment or income generating activities, and a decent life". Through the training that they receive, these girls will easily find work in hotels; an area in need of skilled labor.

These young girls were selected according to criteria defined by the community, and receive training from 4 teachers of JES which educates them, in premises built for this purpose: in cooking, baking, catering and installation of mini-companies. In addition to these courses, they also received training on child rights. The JES, also hopes to establish a microcredit structure to help girls build their own projects.

According to Jean-Paul Chancy, the head of JES, "discussions are ongoing with the National Institute of Vocational Training (INFP) for the recognition of diplomas that these girls will receive at the end of the course." At the end of training, SDH which is involved in the process from the beginning to the end, plans to help some apprentices enter the job market by letters of recommendation and internship offers.

As for Janvier Pierre Feguito, the mayor of Cayes-Jacmel, he began to dream of a hotel school in his town to promote tourism in the Southeast Department. This is why he welcomes this initiative and encourages beneficiaries to make proper use of their training.