“Youth Development and Apprenticeship Centres play a critical role in shaping and guiding future generations of our nation’s youth. At the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, we are committed to the expansion, modernisation and application of current technologies and the rejuvenated role of YDACs across our country.”
These were the words by Youth Development and National Service Minister, the Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds, following a tour of the Youth Development and Apprenticeship Centre at Persto Praesto, Freeport on Saturday 28th November, 2020.
Minister Hinds was accompanied by the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) Executive Team, led by Permanent Secretary Mr. Farook Hosein; Deputy Permanent Secretaries Mrs. Claire Davidson-Williams & Mrs. Marcia London-McKellar; Youth Officer III, Mr. Sean Ramrattan; and other Ministry Officials.
“Persto Praesto was the first YDAC established by the country’s first Prime Minister, Dr. Eric Williams – as he saw the need to have trained artisans,” explained Camp Director II, Mr. Baldeosingh who facilitated the tour of the grounds. “This facility provides training in 4 main areas: Technical and Vocational - where all trainees are exposed to Agriculture; Remedial Literacy and Numeracy; Sport and Physical Education; and Social Life Skills. The YDAC has a Multi-purpose Court; Food Crop and Livestock Farm; Dormitories and Workshops. There are plans to upgrade the facilities in order to modernise the training,” Mr. Baldeosingh added.
Minister Hinds will continue his tour of the YDACs when he visits the Chatham location in December 2020.
- END -
