INTRODUCTION
Rickel George is a 19-year-old young man from the community of Pearls, St. Andrew, Grenada who lives in a nuclear family with six siblings. He was born with Fibular Hemimelia which is, disproportionate legs. Nevertheless, despite his physical challenges there are many things he takes great delight in, “I really enjoy drawing (self-taught), buildings, animals, … anything, and I am good at it although I had no formal training”, he shared. Unfortunately, Rickel was unable to complete education beyond the primary school level however, his recent skills training has afforded him an opportunity for further learning and self-employment. He wants to explore the world of fashion through designing clothes and more specifically, clothes that will boost the confidence of persons that are physically challenged.
LIFE NOW vs THEN
Rickel wearing a shirt he made during training. Photo credits: SO Productions
In the past, in an effort to improve his mobility, Rickel travelled overseas to have surgery – this journey required many follow-up consultations and additional surgeries. “The pain was excruciating, and I have decided to discontinue surgeries but learn to live as I am”, Rickel recalled emotionally. He supports his movements with a pair of aluminium adjustable walking crutches. Rickel came across a Facebook advert for a SkYE-funded Fashion Design programme at the Faith Organisation for People’s Development (FOPD). With the help of friends and family, he completed the registration process and training in CVQ Fashion Design Level 2.
When asked about training, Rickel had this to say, “Training was very interactive and fun but we learned all the elements of designing and making clothes while supporting each other. I did not have any difficulties during training, the instructor was very hands-on, knowledgeable and patient. Styling and designing were the most interesting elements. However, assessments were a bit nerve-wracking, but I was able to complete”. The instructor, Ms. Celia Fletcher disclosed that “Rickel was very excited and enthusiastic to join the course. He remained committed and was motivated by the group love and support throughout the training”.
UKaid SUPPORT
Rickel is one of sixteen (16) trainees in the CVQ Level 2 Fashion Design course. FOPD partnered with SkYE to deliver training to eighty (80) trainees under three (3) courses: Fashion Design, Food Preparation and Sous Chef. The Organisation is housed at the Telescope Community Centre which was restored to provide a place of recreation, socialisation and learning for the community. This Community has one of the highest incidences of poverty.
COMMUNITY CONTEXT
Rickel has plans for a career in Fashion Design. He said, “In the not-too-long future, I hope to have my own tailor shop in the community because this service is not available presently”. Also, he looks forward to his internship which he hopes to commence soon – once the tailor shop makes the necessary accommodations for his physical challenges to allow him to work in a safe environment. “Meanwhile, I experiment with different designs and mending my family clothes at home”, said Rickel. Contemplating on his journey, Rickel recounted, “Personally, I am more confident to participate in activities and in the way I engage others, I learn to love himself more and show more respect to others; I do not see my disability as an inability”.
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.
