ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, May 30, 2014 – GIS: As government gets ready to roll out the third cohort of Imanis in June, nationals joining are encouraged to make the most of the opportunity provided, to grow and develop.
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs, Senator Sheldon Scott, urged participants to grab the knowledge and skills being afforded to foster meaningful lives.
Scott said that the program is designed to equip the young population with the tools for social and economic development. “We started with the first 1,000, we had the completion of the second 1,000 and we are nearing completion of another 1,000 young persons involved in the Imani Program,” Scott pointed out during the recent Constituency Forum in St Patrick East.
He said that government is continuing to provide hope for young people and urged them to grab the moment.
“I will like to call on the young people, those of you already in the program; those of you who are just being called to the program and those of you who will be called to the program, to ensure that you make proper use of the opportunity being given to you under the Imani Program,” Senator Scott told the young population.
He reminded them that it is not simply an exercise where they are just joining to collect EC$ 700.00 or EC$ 800.00 at the end of the month. “It is something for you to use to develop yourself; it is something for you to use to improve the lives you are living,” Senator Scott stated, pointing out that at the end of the two years no one is supposed to be asking for an extension.
“You are supposed to be developed to the point where you can move on or where you can get permanent employment because of your performance.”
Scott indicated that government is also providing support for those who will want to further their studies after the two years or others who are also keen to start their own businesses to provide employment for themselves and others.
“We will facilitate you as long as you qualify,” he assured, stating, “we are working with a plan; but we need you to understand and be part of the plan.”
The Imani Program would have impacted three thousand youngsters when the third session officially gets going in June.
Five thousand have sought entrance in the registration that is ongoing.
