AS THE National Housing Trust (NHT) commences work on three inner-city housing sites in the Corporate Area, residents of targeted communities have been participating in a number of training programmes with the hope of improving their chances of gaining employment.
Since June 1, some 50 residents of Denham Town, Hannah Town and Frog City (an informal settlement in the Mayfield Park area) have been attending courses in leadership and work orientation, customer service, cashiering and cosmetology at a number of training centres across the Corporate Area. The courses have been organised by the Social Development Unit of the NHT's Inner-city Housing Project (ICHP) and facilitated by the HEART Trust/NTA, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and Soft Sheen Products.
Dr. Imani Tafari Ama, social development manager of the ICHP, explained that the inner-city housing project has two major components; the technical component that involves the building of new housing units, mostly in densely populated Corporate Area communities and the social development component, which is designed to prepare residents for the complexities and responsibilities of strata housing.
SURVEYS CONDUCTED
"In all surveys conducted in the communities prior to construction, we have heard a consistent appeal for employment and for skills training which can pave the way for employment," Dr. Ama said.
The training initiatives have already brought benefits. In April of this year, 29 residents of inner-city communities graduated from a first round of instruction in carpentry and in leadership development. Of that group, 15 have found employment, while others are being interviewed for jobs.
Jeremy Bailey, a carpenter from the Denham Town area who is now employed with Manpower Ltd., said the training opportunity had made it possible for him to move into a work environment where he is able to meet and work alongside people from all walks of life.
With a secure job, Mr. Bailey is confident of his ability to carry out his obligations as a mortgagee when the housing unit for which he has applied is finished.
