Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson said the ministry’s Fresh Start Programme’s will received a bigger budget in the future.
Minister Johnson was speaking at the graduation ceremony for 60 students of the Fresh Start Class of 2015 at the Foster B. Pestina Hall on Friday, June 12, 2015.
Fresh Start is a 15 week long programme that provides young people with skills to become productive citizens. They take courses in the areas of Welding, General Maintenance, Computer and Business Application, Accounts and QuickBooks and Acrylic Nails.
Minister Johnson told the graduates that the “educational system failed” them and the system in place is one that they did not quite connect with.”
The minister said he also received a second chance and should have been put out of school 10 times, but his grandfather stepped in.
“Parents,” he said, “be careful because children become what you tell them.”
He congratulated the graduates for defying the odds and taking advantage of their second chance.
By the end of the year, Minister Johnson said, every person from the programme will be employed.
Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville also congratulated the graduates. He said he knew the programme would transform their lives and give them more confidence.
The minister told the graduates that they have to believe in their ability to accomplish their goals.
Senator Tanisha Tynes and Director of Youth K. Darren Turnquest also gave the graduates encouraging remarks.
Graduates receiving special recognition for most improved included: Raciana Strachan, welding (one of three women out of 20 participants); Shakeel Forbes, electrical; Lynden Laing, Carpentry; Jenel McPhee, acrylic nails; Davianna Penn, computer and Elpetio Thompson, Bahama Host.
The top student in each category were: Lakesha Joseph, accounts; DeAndra Brown, Quickbooks; Felicia Knowles, acrylic nails – practical; Crystal Lightbourne – acrylic nails – theory; Resha Saunders, computer and business application; Diandre Jones, carpentry; Lynden Laing, electrical; Elpetio Thompson, welding – practical; Rondon Haven, welding – theory; and Kelleye Harvey and Sebastian Sands, Bahama Host.
