Employment programme designed for single moms

(CNS): The government’s training scheme for the unemployed designed to help those struggling to find work has begun the first class which diverts from the original model helping school and college leavers. On Monday a twenty week Passport2Success programme (P2P designed for single mothers started at the ICCI. Given the additional challenges faced by women with children looking for work the course has been adapted to meet their needs. Organisers said the As a part of the programme the women will be on the job two days per week beginning in week four and the curriculum will be  providing an emphasis on acquisition of tangible skills that they can use tosecure employment.

The employment initiative is collaboration between government and private sector and organisers say there are plays to create other specially designed programmes for other groups that are struggling to find jobs and can benefit from the skills taught on the course.

On this programme the mothers will be helped with parenting advice as well as employability skills and keys to workplace success, organisers said.

“Single mothers carry an incredible responsibility for the parenting of children and running of households in our community,” Shannon Seymour of the Wellness Centre stated. “Ensuring that those single mothers who want to gain employment are given the skills and opportunities they need to be successful is critical. Supporting single mothers who want to provide their children with a positive role model of independence and self-sufficiency is something we at The Wellness Centre are very proud to be a part of.”

Speaking at the orientation, Rolston Anglin, education minister, urged each of the women to not do this course for their children but do it for themselves.

“The programme is successful because of its participants,” he said. “Each of you is here to take a risk to change and seemingly provide a change for your kids. We look forward to what you will achieve through this programme.”

For more information about Passport2Success as well as application forms and dates for the start of the next programme, visit www.passport2success.ky.