A NEW building has been constructed to house the Allman Town Human Resource and Skills Training Centre. The construction was financed by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) at a cost of $7.14 million. The building is located on the compound of the St. Matthew's Anglican Church and will accommodate some fifty trainees.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony on Friday,March 9, 2001, Minister of Education and Culture, Senator Burchell Whiteman commended the St. Matthew's Church and by extension the wider church family, for its work in communities such as Allman Town. He said the church was pursuing the agenda of Jesus Christ by witnessing and carrying out such work as this in Allman Town. Mr. Whiteman also had high praises for the Allman Town community and their response to the skills training centre. Nearly one thousand youths from the community have already graduated from the centre.
The students are trained in five areas - woodwork/carpentry/upholstery, baking/catering, tailoring for men and women, garment construction for women, and computer education.
Member of Parliament, Rev. Ronald Thwaites, said that in the projects like the Allman Town Skills Training Centre, it is seen that voluntarism is still alive in Jamaica. "A sense of service, giving and selflessness is still alive," Revd Thwaites said, with specific reference to the work of Centre Manager Mr. Renford Shirley. Revd Thwaites also spoke of the need to develop skills in young people that were marketable.
Guest speaker at the function, Chairman and Managing Director of the Gleaner Company Ltd., Hon Oliver Clarke, commended the Custos of Kingston Canon Weeville Gordon, for the vision and instrumentality displayed in the establishment of the training centre. Mr. Clarke said he was proud to be a part of the support, provided for the centre, along with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund and other agencies.
JSIF Managing Director, Ms. Scarlette Gillings, pointed out that more than J$217 million was invested in 34 multi-purpose centres across the island. These centres, she said serve as community centres, skills training centres and sports facilities.
She said that JSIF not only invested in infrastructure projects but has made a significant impact in the area of building the capacity of community leaders and their organisations. "It is very encouraging to see the results of our interventions in communities across the island. Community members are now able to better plan, manage and sustain their own community development efforts," Ms. Gillings said.
JSIF renovated and expanded the facility by replacing the ceiling, roof, floor, electrical wiring and bathroom fixtures and did repairs to the wall and also to the perimeter fence.
