Welcome to our weekly blog post! If you’re joining us for the first time, a heartfelt welcome to the Serenity Resource Connector community. We aim to bring you timely, actionable information that empowers and uplifts our communities.
If you missed last week’s insightful forum "Strengthening Community Safety Post-Hurricane Beryl with JCF Area 3 Police," you can catch up on all the details in our previous blog. For a deep dive into this week’s live forum, watch the replay here.
This week, we are focusing on empowering communities, particularly on post-hurricane support and opportunities, with guests Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., and Charlene Mohan, the Regional Director for Heart/NSTA Trust Region 6.
Post-Hurricane Support and Initiatives
Opening Remarks from Minister Pearnel Charles Jr.
Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. kicked off the discussion by acknowledging the extensive damage caused by the hurricane, particularly in Southern Clarendon, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth. He highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts in damage assessments and immediate relief operations. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is collaborating with Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like Food for the Poor, Red Cross, ADRA, Samaritan’s Purse, and other stakeholders to carry out these operations.
Key Points on Ongoing Relief Efforts:
Damage assessments to allocate resources
Immediate relief including food packages, hygiene kits, tarpaulins, and mattresses
Special focus on the most vulnerable and those severely impacted
Continuous support through various social programmes and grants
Social Services and Support Programmes
Minister Charles emphasized the ministry’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to those affected, especially through various social programmes. Here are some key services highlighted:
Special Initiatives for Specific Groups:
PATH Beneficiaries: Relief on school attendance requirements to expedite aid disbursements.
NIS Beneficiaries: Suspension of the life certificate obligation to ease access for senior citizens.
Social Intervention Programmes: Entrepreneurship programmes to help restart businesses in impacted areas.
The minister underscored the need for effective damage categorization to facilitate appropriate grant distribution. He also shared efforts to register those eligible for social pensions and other benefits to maximize aid distribution.
Call to Action for Communities:
Visit local Ministry of Labour and Social Security offices for inquiries and further information.
Engage with social workers actively working in communities.
Utilize the ministry's comprehensive range of social services and entrepreneurship grants.
Empowering Youth Through Skills and Employment
Charlene Mohan, the HEART Regional Director, introduced HEART’s robust programmes aimed at youth empowerment through skill development. The Summer of Skills Programme was a particular focus, designed to offer hands-on experience and training in various sectors:
Key Features of HEART Programmes:
Summer Interventions: Targeting young people aged 14-29 (up to 34 for persons with disabilities) with exposure to various skills. These initiatives include:
Summer of Skills Programme: Designed for young people ages 14 to18, offering a range of skill-building opportunities.
HOPE Summer Work Progamme: Aimed at those in the other age ranges, providing valuable work experience and skill development.
Workforce Training: For individuals currently employed seeking upskilling opportunities.
On-The-Job Training: Offering stipends and valuable work experience.
Literacy and Numeracy: Open to all age groups.
MSME Support: Grants up to 1 million JMD for micro-businesses, supporting formalization and business growth.
Charlene stressed the importance of registering for these programmes, which are free up to level four, and offer meals for those in residential institutions.
Success Stories:
Charlene shared a success story of a young man who transformed his life through the plumbing programme at the HEART College of Construction Services, highlighting the tangible benefits of skill acquisition.
Viewer Engagement and Community Queries
The session also featured significant viewer interactions:
1. Accessibility Concerns:
Cherry Brown Graham inquired about the relocation of the MLSS office in May Pen for better accessibility for the elderly and physically challenged. Minister Charles assured that plans are underway to build a more accessible office.
2. Business Support Queries:
Fabian, a horticulture business owner from Longville Park, asked about assistance for his unregistered business. Minister Charles encouraged formal registration for easier access to support. Charlene added that HEART offers help in formalizing businesses.
3. Employment Opportunities:
Moesha from Mineral Heights inquired about summer job opportunities. Both Minister Charles and Charlene confirmed ongoing internship and job placement opportunities through HEART and other initiatives.
Collaboration and Sustainable Measures
Minister Charles emphasized the importance of collaboration for effective disaster management. He discussed ongoing partnerships with organizations like National Works Agency (NWA) and emphasized the role of community responsibility in maintaining clean and safe environments.
Forward-Looking Strategies:
Adoption of better construction standards, like using hurricane straps.
Enhanced infrastructural work for flood prevention.
Improved awareness and community coordination.
New Resource Booklet
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has put together a comprehensive booklet that will soon be distributed in both soft and hard copies. This booklet is designed to inform and provide easier access to a wide range of social intervention programmes, including:
Step to Work Programme: Specifically for PATH students
Tertiary Grants: Available for PATH students
Student Loan Benefits: Additional benefits for PATH students that others may not receive
Funeral Grants and Other Supports
This resource aims to ensure that everyone knows which programme fits their circumstance and how to access the support they need.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts from Charlene Mohan:
Charlene urged the community to seize opportunities for skill development and improve their economic prospects. She reminded us that the time is now to capitalize on these resources.
Final Words from Minister Pearnel Charles Jr.:
The minister expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, encouraging individuals to help one another and make the best use of available resources. He highlighted the essence of community empowerment and collective responsibility.
Upcoming Forum
Stay tuned for our next session in the Local Governance and Community Development series "Rebuilding Together: Governance and Community Development Post-Hurricane Beryl". Subscribe and set your notifications so you don’t miss out on these vital discussions and information that can help empower you and your community.
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Take action today:
Visit the Ministry of Labour and Social Security offices for guidance and support.
Explore HEART’s wide range of skill development programmes to find one that suits you.
Engage with your community to see how you can contribute and benefit from collective efforts.
Empowering our communities requires everyone’s participation. Whether it’s through skill development, social services, or community clean-ups, every effort counts. Let’s work together to rebuild stronger and ensure no one is left behind.
Share this blog post with others who could benefit from the resources discussed. Together, we can build resilient and thriving communities!
Acknowledgments:
Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. for his insights and continuous efforts in community support.
Charlene Mohan, HEART Regional Director for sharing invaluable information on HEART’s programmes.
Business Community and other Organizations for their generous support in trucking water and providing care packages to those in need.
Stay safe, stay informed, and stay connected. See you next Thursday at 8 p.m. for another empowering session!
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