Twenty-seven young trainees of the Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps (BYAC) stood proudly in the Courtney Blackman Grand Salle at the National Transformation Initiative’s Advance Initiative (NTI-AI) Graduation Ceremony, on Wednesday, August 28.
Parents and supportive stakeholders joined the graduates in celebrating their transformative journey with NTI-AI that equipped them with essential skills for the future. Described as a “lifeline,” the programme has been credited with enhancing their work-life skills, digital proficiency, and communication abilities that will bolster their technical-vocational training assignments at various institutions.
The NTI-AI programme, originally called Technical Vocational Transitional Literacy Programme (TVTLP), continues to embody NTI’s mission of empowering Barbadians through diverse learning opportunities. Led by a new team headed by a Special Education Diagnostician and Literacy Specialist, the programme focused on developing both functional literacy and essential skills needed for personal and professional success, enabling trainees to effectively navigate their chosen technical and vocational career paths. It also featured career tours designed to expose the trainees to various sectors, enhancing their understanding of potential career opportunities.
Allyson Murray, NTI-AI Lead Facilitator, commended the trainees, stating, “The site visits provided a tangible link between theory and practice. We saw you apply the instruction in real-world settings, and for us, this was a testament to your understanding and adaptability.”
The ceremony also highlighted creative projects produced by the trainees, showcasing their newly acquired skills in video production, content creation, and digital storytelling. These projects were developed under the guidance of NTI partner TAPP Digital Incorporated, reflecting the diverse capabilities the trainees have developed.
NTI also recognised eight exceptional trainees with Samsung Galaxy Tablets as an encouragement to continue pursuing their lifelong learning, not only for their outstanding performance in the programme, but for exceeding expectations by completing the NTI flagship Citizenship Course as well as taking the initiative to successfully complete multiple NTI-Coursera courses.
The eight STARR Bajan awardees included Devon Atkinson, Rolando Cain, Matthew Goodridge, Jaheim Kellman, Kymara Trotman, Sergio Parris, Ayana Griffith, and Demaril Thorpe.
Demaril Thorpe, NTI-AI Class Ambassador, electrified the room as he shared his reflections on the programme, stating, “The NTI course impacted me a lot; it made me a better communicator… People would tell you to chase your dreams, but I was never a fan of that. I’m someone who has a vision, and I believe you should follow your vision… A dream is something you go to sleep and wake up from.” Thorpe’s commitment to the programme was evident as he completed several NTI courses, including Core Skills, Occupational Safety and Health, Personal Financial Management, and Entrepreneurship, in addition to the Citizenship course. He also completed NTI-Coursera courses such as Introduction to Generative AI and Introduction to Large Language Models.
The interactive keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of setting goals, maintaining a positive mindset, working hard, and giving back. Speaking directly to the graduates about his journey, he said, “You might think that you are there and I am here, and there’s a gulf between us. The only gulf between us is your imagination… Once you can imagine it, you can achieve it.”
Also in attendance were The Hon. Charles Griffith, Minister, Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment and his Permanent Secretary Mrs. Joy Adamson, ; Hally Haynes, Director, Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps; Dr. The Hon. Allyson Leacock, Director, NTI; Mrs. Melissa Nurse-Herbert, BYAC Senior Programme Officer; and Mrs. Markiesha Alleyne, NTI-AI Coordinator.
NTI-AI is a collaboration between the Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps (BYAC) and the National Transformation Initiative (NTI), aimed at equipping young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their technical and vocational programmes and succeed in a competitive job market. The Central Bank of Barbados has partnered with NTI in facilitating the graduation ceremony over the past two years.