In the context of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Programme, a Training for Trainer’s Course, targeting 28 youth officers, was launched, today, at the Côte D’Or National Sports Complex, to impart requisite skills and knowledge among the trainers.
The Training will be held from 20 to 22 November 2023 and will be facilitated by the Global Operations Director and the Global Operations Manager of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation namely Mr Edwin Kimani and Ms Joanne Waweru.
Present at the launching ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, Mr Marie Joseph Ramsamy, underscored that for more than 57 years, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Programme had a major influence in shaping the character and the future of young people.
“The Award Programme,” he remarked, “goes beyond traditional education system and instils values of resilience, responsibility and leadership in the youth.” “It empowers young individuals to step out of their comfort zones, face challenges and emerge with a new-found confidence,” he mentioned. “During the Award Programme,” he observed, “youngsters develop skills such as volunteering, physical fitness, skills development and a holistic understanding of their strengths and capabilities.”
Moreover, he indicated that the Programme fostered a sense of responsibility in the youth while urging them to actively engage in their community to make meaningful contributions. “It also builds the foundation for responsible, compassionate and resilient citizens of tomorrow,” he added.
“The training initiative,” he pointed out, “marks an important step in the Ministry’s commitment to continue to upgrade and enhance the skills and competence of our trainers.” “It is an investment in the growth and empowerment of our youth officers who will in turn lead, inspire and guide young participants of the Programme towards excellence and success,” stated Mr Ramsamy.
As for Mr Kimani, he indicated that the training, focusing on the theme ‘Building Competency and Quality’, would contribute in producing a pool of highly skilled and confident trainers. “The training,” he said, “has been designed to provide youth officers with the essential knowledge and practical tools to support the training of youth for the Award Programme.”
He highlighted the great potential of young Mauritians and stressed the importance of capacity building and equipping youth officers with the right skills and tools to further improve their competencies.
Mr Kimani is in Mauritius from 19 to 26 November 2023. During his stay, he will pay a courtesy call on the Minister of Youth and Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, Mr Jean Christophe Stephan Toussaint. He will effect a visit to the Award Centre – Northfields International School in Mapou and to the SSR Disability School in Triolet. Mr Kimani will also visit Rodrigues Island from 24 to 25 November 2023.
