Over the course of 15 months, St. John Bosco (SJB) Vocational Training Centre has worked in close partnership with Canada’s Local Engagement and Action Fund (LEAF) to implement the “Sowing Skills, Reaping Futures” project. LEAF is a local development initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada which heavily supported this intervention through a generous donation of approximately J$5,600,000.00. With this grant (via the provision of training equipment, a digital school management system, and more), SJB strengthened its capacity to socially and economically empower rural youth through skills training and certifications.
The project has surpassed its goal of equipping 100 at-risk youth with professional skills and certifications related to five trades. Upon the completion of their training, 158 students successfully passed their exams and are now being awarded trade certifications by the HEART/NSTA Trust (Jamaica’s vocational certifying agency). In particular, 23 are being certified in Commercial Food Preparation, 15 in Greenhouse Technology, 21 in Butchery, 74 in Crop Production and 30 in Nail Care.
Apart from vocational training, a series of special workshops (which featured multimedia presentations, discussions, and practical activities), were also implemented to aid students’ educational and personal development. Four climate-smart 4-H club sessions were attended by a combined total of 77 students from a variety of HEART programmes who are interested in learning to farm either as a trade or a hobby. The sessions focused on the basic science of climate change, its impact on the agricultural sector (and on male versus female farmers) as well as how to practice climate-smart farming techniques such as cover cropping, contour farming, rainwater harvesting and irrigation management.
Additionally, four “Family-oriented” workshops were held to engage families of trainees in open discussions regarding the challenges faced by students in various trades. These sessions equipped parents to support students in avoiding behaviours that could hinder their vocational journeys such as substance abuse, risky sexual behaviour, and poor time management. The workshops were attended by groups of 21, 18, 26, and 15 students and parents respectively.
Finally, a digital school management system was set up which allows the school to store and manage student records; track attendance; input grades, create academic progress reports and generate transcripts; as well as communicate efficiently with students, parents, and staff. Key staff members have gained a robust understanding of the technology, and the system is now officially in use.
Throughout the project, the team at LEAF have supported St. John Bosco every step of the way; not only with funding but also with technical expertise, visibility, and occasional site visits to engage with students and staff in person. Their partnership was invaluable and has greatly enhanced SJB’s ability to benefit its students. We hope to partner with them again in the future.
