The St. Maarten Youth Development Program is part of the Education & Youth program project. It is a corporation program between the island government of St Maarten and the Dutch government and funded by USONA. The program is especially for youngsters between the ages of 16 and 24 years who were unable to finish secondary education. With this program youngsters obtain the basic qualifications needed to enter the job market or further their studies at the SBO/ASVE schools. The program currently offers the courses Front Desk Agent, Bartending/Waiter/Waitress, Room Care Attendant (general maintenance), PC Repair and Networking, Cook and SPW1 (assistant caregiver). Before the students are able to begin these courses, they must complete three months training in social skills, computer lessons and if necessary English lessons.
During the next few months, the program's team will be contacting businesses and arranging informative meetings to provide information on the program and to ascertain businesses that graduates of the program are capable of doing the work they are qualified for. The feedback from the businesses is also important in further developing the program and the program is aiming to establish a relationship where businesses can help in the development or adjustment of courses.
Letters to a selection of businesses will be sent out in the next couple days so businesses are asked to look out for the letters that are kindly requesting their time and assistance. Project Leader Janelle Presentacion stated "We are working extremely hard to teach our youngsters a trade and instill a positive attitude that will help them lead positive lives. However we need the assistance of the businesses to show these youngsters that with hard work and determination, success is possible but our youngsters cannot experience this without the helping hand of businesses". For more information on the campaign or the program, please contact Janelle Presentacion at 543-0497 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
