INTRODUCTION
Kenisha James is excited to be able to help her grandmother, Ms. Jennifer Dowe, in backyard rabbit rearing after completing her training in Rabbit Rearing at Adult Teen Challenge Grenada (ATCG). She is 25 years old and lives with her grandparents, uncle and younger brother in Beaulieu St. George, Grenada.
Her grandmother has been her caretaker since she was an infant because she needs extra care; Kenisha is challenged with a cognitive and physical disability. “Although she cannot handle reading, writing and math fluently; she is good with her hands”, Ms. Dowe beamed. “Her disability does not impede her capabilities.” During recruitment, the management of ATCG collaborated with the Grenada National Council of the Disabled (GNCD) to reach out and recruit youth with disabilities. Irrespective of the training course, SkYE advocates for inclusive and equal training opportunities for young people with disabilities.
UKaid SUPPORT
SkYE Caribbean partnered with ATCG to train 60 young people in three CVQ level-2 Agriculture Sector training programmes: Crop Production, Rabbit Rearing and Bee Keeping. Agriculture remains a key pillar of the Grenadian economy. These training areas will help increase opportunities for self-employment and greater economic productivity.
LIFE NOW vs THEN
Kenisha and other trainees building a rabbit cage
Kenisha attended the Beaulieu New Testament School for two years, then transferred to the School for Special Education in Grand Anse. Later, she attended beaded-jewelry training offered by the GNCD. She happily accepted the opportunity to learn about rabbit rearing since it is her father’s current occupation and a previous backyard business of her grandmother.
When asked how she felt about the training, Kenisha said “I was excited to attend training and I went by myself; I was not shy. I enjoyed talking to other participants and they helped me a lot. I like taking care of the rabbits, and rabbit meat is nice”. Her grandmother also interjected, “She is a very smart girl, since the training she is engaging more in conversation and less shy when meeting people. She is more confident”. Managing Director of ATCG, Mr, Jude Hector commented that Kenisha demonstrated great aptitude in the practical sessions and excellent team spirit. He is very proud of her accomplishments.
COMMUNITY AND WIDER CONTEXT
In the near future, post-COVID protocols and restrictions allowing, Kenisha and her grandmother will re-establish their rabbit rearing business in the backyard. This will help Kenisha to have a steady job and to provide for herself financially in the future. A family member commented that everyone in the community admires Kenisha’s commitment to the training and they are looking forward to supporting her business.
FACTS
Skills for Youth Employment (SkYE) is a four-year, UKaid funded programme to provide certified skills training for 6,000 disadvantaged young people, including those challenged by disability, in four Eastern Caribbean countries: Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent & the Grenadines. The Programme will develop a more productive and inclusive workforce in sectors with good economic growth potential.
SkYE is supporting national training authorities and training providers to make systemic improvements to the development, delivery and quality assurance of technical, vocational education and training (TVET) in the four focus islands through targeted capacity building.
