Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo. (FP)
St. George mothers with an entrepreneurial streak will be provided with business incubation support, through the Human Resource Development Strategy (HRDS) funded HERO Mom-Preneurship Programme.
Minister with responsibility for Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, made this disclosure during the programme launch, on Tuesday at the Ellerton Wesleyan Holiness Church, Ellerton, St. George.
While speaking to the contribution of the HRDS and its support of the St. George community’s latest project, Senator Byer Suckoo revealed, “The HRDS has been promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods…and we’re doing a number of programmes across the country.
“We’ve worked with training institutions, various industries, community groups, we have funded partnerships; many of which have been in entrepreneurship…and also sponsored other areas of Human Resource Development.”
Minister Byer Suckoo highlighted that women, disabled persons and the youth have been of “particular focus” under the HRDS, and noted that this effort was in alignment with the aims of the HERO Mom-Preneurship Programme.
The first group of young mothers from St. George will receive three months training in areas such as small business and personal development, marketing, time management, financial management and health and wellness.
The programme; according to the Minister, will be instrumental in empowering young women to take control of their destiny and “break that cycle of poverty”, when these acquired skills are passed on from generation to generation.
For participants who were desirous of taking already existing business ventures further, Senator Byer Suckoo told those gathered that grant funding would be available for young women, who have reached that stage of development.
Hands Extended Reaching Out (HERO), the St. George South organisation behind the programme, was established to develop the community, eradicate poverty, empower women, the youth and children.
malissa.brathwaite@barbados.gov.bb