Y.E.S. opens new training centre

An organisation created ten years ago to give at risk girls a chance at a better future, the Youth Enhancement Services Programme, celebrates a milestone on Thursday, International Women’s Day. It will officially open its new training centre at a site in Lord’s Bank Village. Executive Director Florence Dillett says Thursday will be a proud day for Y.E.S.

Florence Dillett, Executive Director, YES

“We’ve had the land and we were able to get funding for the first building, which is our administrative building and the training centre is now opening. It took a long because we had to wait for the funds and it was different groups who gave us bits of money so we could do the foundation and the walls. But now it’s like a dream come true, because you dream, but sometimes you don’t really expect your dream to come true. It’s an ideal building. We have a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and craft room.”

Ann-Marie Williams

“Give me a bit of insight into the programme. How many girls are you catering for and who’s the programme for?

Florence Dillett

“The programmes are for girls at risk. Girls who have dropped out of school for whatever reasons it never worked out and are not equipped to face life. And so we offer life skills, counselling, traditional skills like cooking, baking, sewing and also non-traditional skills in the craft department, papermaking and woodworking. We recently introduced electrical and plumbing, to give them a broader scope and the opportunity to get better jobs and make more money for themselves. The philosophy of the organisation is to empower young women to live independent and fulfilling lives.”

Over two dozen girls are currently enrolled in the Youth Enhancement Services Programme.