Another UNDP Project for St Helena
15 September 2009
St Helena has secured funds from the United Nations to continue with more workplace training for the long term unemployed, particularly those with a disability.
Dr Corinda Essex, Chief Development Officer, and her staff in the Development and Economic Planning Department worked to secure the funding with support from a Steering Group which has been set up to take the project forward.
The project will be led by Ronald Coleman, Head of the Employment and Social Security Department. He said “I am delighted with this project because we are always looking at ways to help the disabled and disadvantaged groups and this is one way of helping them. The funding will provide vocational training for the vulnerable, especially those who are disabled. This will allow them to enhance their prospects and opportunities for integration into the workplace and society, thus promoting equal opportunities and improving the self esteem of the disabled.”
The project will concentrate on training people in construction skills, agriculture and recycling and Ronald said that these are all appropriate to St Helena.
“St Helena’s society in general will be enriched by this project which ultimately aims to promote and sustain equality for a disadvantaged, minority group” said Ronald.
The recruitment of a United Nations Volunteer Consultant is well on the way and the selected consultant will spend 9 months on the Island, working with the disabled.
Three local trainers will also be recruited to assist with the project. One of the trainers will deliver courses in construction, another in agriculture and a third in recycling. These posts are to be advertised shortly.