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Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 30, 2019 (S.T.E.P.) — Government agency, the Skills Training Empowerment Programme (STEP), which was launched in February 2017 as a new model to replace the People Employment Programme (PEP) will be celebrating its second anniversary with a week of activities from February 9 to 16.
The celebrations, which will be observed under the theme ‘Showcasing skills, Empowering people for life’, will be launched by Prime Minister, and Minister with responsibility for STEP, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris via a radio broadcast on Sunday February 10. Staff, field supervisors and all trainees of STEP will attend a worship service on the same day at the Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Bourryeau at 10:00 am.
“The Saturday before the launch, February 9, a panel that will represent STEP staff, trainees and employers will be appearing on WINN FM’s ‘Inside the News’ show to sensitise the general public on the week of activities,” said Mr Emile Greene, Chairman of the STEP Second Anniversary Committee.
Monday February 11 will mark the commencement of Work Projects to showcase skills of STEP trainees and the launch of a beautification competition for community clean up groups. Additionally, there will be an appearance on Sugar City 90.3 FM, and the first broadcast of video feature on STEP operations will be aired on ZIZ TV. Brochures featuring STEP will be distributed at different points in Basseterre.
Training of STEP Field Supervisors that will be facilitated by Pastor Marvan Simpson will take place on Tuesday February 12 at the Ocean Terrace Inn (OTI) from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. On Wednesday February 13 a STEP team will be guests on Working for You programme hosted by Mr Lesroy Williams on ZIZ radio, and a re-broadcast of the video feature on STEP operations will be aired on ZIZ TV, while STEP staff and trainees will distribute brochures from strategic positions in Basseterre.
STEP offices on the corner of Church and Central Streets in Basseterre, and in Spring Gate South on Government Road in Charlestown, Nevis, will be closed on Thursday February 14 to give way for Staff Development Day that will be attended by office and field staff at the Ocean Terrace Inn (OTI) in Basseterre from 8:30 am to 3 pm. The Staff Development Day will be facilitated by Dr Analdo Bailey, and Ms Tamu Browne.
West Independence Square in Basseterre will come to life on Friday 15 with the holding of the Second Anniversary Edition of STEP Fair. The fair which will run from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm will feature displays of skills and products/farm produce of STEP trainees. There will be an information/registration desk, and other activities will include distribution of STEP brochures, and a digital photographic display showcasing STEP trainees.
The week of activities will come to an end on Saturday February 16 with a staff bonding and team building event specially organised to enhance interpersonal work relationships and togetherness.
Objectives of the week of activities, according to Mr Greene, are to celebrate and showcase the successes of STEP in the diverse areas/fields of training; and to increase public awareness and knowledge of the significant role and impact of STEP in building technical and vocational skills in the workforce.
Other objectives of are to highlight the role of STEP in collaborating with employers who facilitate ‘on the job’ training opportunities; to advance the goal of STEP trainees having opportunities to gain a technical and vocational certificate under the umbrella of the TVET Council; and to provide short term training for the staff of STEP and field supervisors, aimed at improving operational efficiency.
The STEP Second Anniversary Committee is chaired by Mr Emile Greene, STEP’s Quality Assurance Coordinator/Consultant, and includes Mr Wendell Wattley, Director of the Skills Training Empowerment Programme; Mr William Phillip, STEP’s Field Coordinator; and Mrs Agatha Caines, STEP’s Office Manager.
Other members are Mr Clive Nias, STEP’s Accountant; Mr Jason McKoy, STEP’s Senior Field Officer; Mr Peter Ngunjiri, STEP’s Public Relations Officer; Mr Colin Tyrell, owner of Cetecom Advertising Network that will be producing the video documentary; and Mr Heston Hamm, a Private Sector Employer.
The committee reports to Mr Osbert DeSuza, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for STEP.
