IGT in Jamaica partnered with Dress for Success for an intensive one-day professional development workshop, which benefited ten students of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation. The training took place at the Altamont Court Hotel in Kingston on Tuesday, June 12, 2018. It forms part of the ongoing support offered by IGT’s After School Advantage Programme, which provides support for underprivileged children by improving access to education through technology.
The highly interactive and empowering workshop, titled ”Journey to Work and Beyond: The B.O.L.D. and Beautiful Approach”, introduced the students to skills and strategies that would be useful to them as they moved from school to work, entrepreneurship or further education. The acronym “B.O.L.D.” (Believe, Opportunity, Love [Learning], Dream [Big]) sought to inspire and motivate the young women, while building confidence and self-esteem.
One of the participants, Altonette Whyte, found the “B.O.L.D.” concept inspiring. “I’m really glad I came,” said Altonette. “The workshop made me see things from a different perspective. I learned a lot.”A fellow student and aspiring doctor Jody-Ann Matthews appreciated the advice on what colours to wear for a job interview. She found the interaction highly motivational. “I learned that our smile shows we are unstoppable…And I learned the importance of acquiring the mindset for learning.”
Charmaine Lewis and Amanda Rose of Dress for Success also turned the students’ attention to the importance of setting ambitious but realistic goals and taking steps to realize them through careful planning. The young women then enjoyed a Vision Board activity, taking their work home with them to continue. The session concluded with practical tips on presentation and the appropriate makeup for employment interviews.
“It’s really about building their confidence, and allowing them to discover and present their best selves,” said trainer Charmaine Lewis. Colleague Amanda Rose agreed with her that the participants were “quick to grab the opportunities to volunteer and speak up.” Ms. Rose added that it was gratifying to “see the shoulders straight and heads held high,” as the students stepped out of the workshop “much more confident about their potential.”
IGT Jamaica’s General Manager Debbie Green observed: “We are delighted to partner with Dress for Success on this project, which will do so much to enhance the progress of these young ladies as they move on in their lives.” She added: “This seminar is a part of our efforts to broaden educational opportunities for young people under the umbrella of our After School Advantage Programme.”
The workshop was supplemented by a booklet containing additional information, tips and guidelines on interview techniques and resumé preparation.
The Women’s Centre Foundation of Jamaica, established in 1978, focuses on providing education and training opportunities for adolescent mothers, in addition to offering counselling and guidance on preventing further pregnancies for the young women, their partners and families.
Jamaica Highlights 