Sherwin Williams gives young people a new start
published: Tuesday | November 4, 2003

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of the Programme Co-ordinating and Monitoring Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr. Jaslin Salmon, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sherwin Williams (W.I.) Ltd. outlining that company's involvement in the Skills/Employment Centre of the Possibility Programme.

The Skills/Employment Centre is one component of the programme that seeks to help young men, many of whom live and work on the streets of the Corporate Area, develop marketable skills.

Under the terms of the MOU, both parties have agreed to work together to facilitate the training and employment of youths with Sherwin Williams, through its Automotive Club, becoming involved in the training and placement of youths in the programme. Sherwin Williams will undertake the responsibility to develop and implement a curriculum for training in painting techniques in automotive and architectural painting, furniture finishes and industrial maintenance. Where possible, the company will also provide apprenticeship and job training for participants with a view to full-time employment. Sherwin Williams has also given an undertaking to provide a daily breakfast and lunch for participants. The company will also encourage other businesses to become involved in the programme. Launched in 2001 by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, the Possibility Programme is a national initiative aimed at addressing the needs of street children across the country. Since the start of the programme there has been a drastic reduction in the number of young boys washing windscreens at major traffic intersections in the Corporate Area. The programme has three centres - a Care Centre located at Ambrook Lane, near Half-Way Tree, the Skills/Employment Centre and a Re-socialisation Centre under the direction of the Jamaica Defence Force and the Kingston Restoration Company Ltd.