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The fourth graduation for the Ministry of Education Youth Apprenticeship Program was held today inside the King's Room at the Princess Hotel. 64 youths completed the 6 month program and were awarded with certificates.

Dianne Finnegan- Coordinator, Apprenticeship Programme
"It's as if though, I've had to nurture my own kids into maturity because they come with so much challenges and so much sadness. They come with so much expectations and reasons for wanting to move from where they came in from to where they were created to be but all I can do is just say 'welcome'. It is the most rewarding - I don't even want to say it's a job - because the pleasure I get from doing this, is beyond what I can share with you. These young people, if given the opportunity to actually continue to manifest there greatness can become our greatest productive sector within the work force. They truly want to be in that spotlight of showing off that they made it and that is why they make the effort that they work 8-5 and then still go to school in the evening and make sure that they also tap into us for guidance, tutoring, and assistance in making sure that they pass to the next level."

And while these young men and women are given the opportunity to transform themselves into productive citizens - it does come with a challenge.

Dianne Finnegan
"I don't know if there's much challenge because of the fact that I'm very stern with them - I'm their guardian and so I will intervene even if I have to go to the biggest drug dealer, biggest gang leader to tell them to leave my child alone. The challenge is that they themselves see - it's hard for them to get away from the negative influence and I can understand it because these were the people who were there supporting them when everything had fallen apart for them. But now it's a journey where they see it as they are inviting these individuals into their homes and see that this is the place. We right now have over 500 applicants, I am not lying - you can go to my office and you can see our files and I'm not sure how we're going to accommodate them. I've met almost all already because they walk into the office but I know that we have to find the space to accommodate them and have them move from idleness into productivity."

Most of the youths are employed and many are back in school, whether it is finishing their high school diploma or beginning a degree in paralegal law. Also one young man is getting ready to leave for Mexico where he will be taking a lineup of courses for his brand new job.

Dianne Finnegan
"After today, they go back to work - the majority are employed so they go to their full time employment, places like Port Authority, Belize Diesel, Bravo Motors, RF&G Insurance, ICB - we have over 90 employers who support this program and I just can't say thank you enough to them for taking that risk and trusting my word that we're bringing good people into their setting and into their space."

And the youths were serenaded by local reggae superstar, Elle Marie - with a special song she wrote herself. The lyrics of the song gave hope and even brought tears to some of the graduates.