Treka Lewis (right), who came first in the class, receives her certificate from Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer at the poor relief officers' graduation ceremony held at the Ministry of Local Government and Environment on Hagley Park Road, St. Andrew, yesterday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

The nation's poor relief system will receive a well-deserved boost with the certification of nine formally trained poor relief officers yesterday, for the first time in 10 years.

The training was done to address the need for adequately trained staff members within the poor relief system that has been lacking for years. It was conducted over the period July 11 to October 20 last year at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Previously training was last done in 1997.

"To resume training can only add value to the lives of our homeless while improving quality delivery of service," said Harry Douglas, Minister of State in the Ministry of Local Government and Environment. He announced that a national conference on homelessness is currently being planned for November of this year.

Urged to Build on training

Helene Davis-White, general secretary of Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers (JALGO), charged graduates to see the training as a start and to build on it.

The graduates, who received training in areas such as policies and laws for social assistance and care, abnormal psychology and chronic homelessness and social psychology, said they were grateful for being afforded the opportunity and shared humorous anecdotes of their time spent together.

She commended them on their choice of profession, admitting it was not one many would choose. Noting that people (today) are focused on human capital, she added that the impact of globalisation has demonstrated that "if we are to progress the question of training and education should be our focus".

Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer, public health specialist and a senior member of the Board of Supervision (for the relief of the poor in Jamaica), in her address said, "The board will ensure that training is always a priority."

She added: "The face of social work today is helping someone to help themselves and in turn help their families. The joy of any poor relief officer is to recommend taking someone off the role as they are now able to help themselves."

She said the board recognises the importance of taking it outside of the Corporate Area and will do so when it is possible.